FedEx: The Long & Winding Road to Giant Panda Preservation
Giant pandas were first identified as 'endangered' by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) in 1990.
They were assigned this classification primarily due to the destruction of their natural habitats, as well as low birth rates which were exacerbated by deforestation and agricultural expansion.
Thankfully there's been a huge global effort to protect the beloved species ever since. Giant pandas are, of course, the poster animals of the global wildlife conservation movement – so much so you'll even find their image in the logo of WWF.
In 2016, they were reclassified as 'vulnerable', yet the mission continues to entirely remove them from the endangered list.
Interestingly, global logistics companies like FedEx have a big role to play in this mission.
How to protect a panda
Preserving their natural habitats, implementing captive breeding programmes, initiating public awareness campaigns, establishing dedicated panda reserves and nature parks, expanding bamboo forests. These efforts are all essential to the survival of pandas.
The success of these efforts in boosting panda population numbers can't be overstated. Captive breeding, in particular, plays a pivotal role. Not only has it helped increase the panda population, but it also aids in maintaining genetic diversity, which is crucial for the species' long-term survival.
Where do FedEx and other logistics companies come in?
Well, an essential part of panda conservation (and indeed the conservation of many other species) is their global transportation. Consigning animals to captivity is critical for international breeding programmes, which can help to save some species from total extinction.
These programmes necessitate extensive collaboration between governments, conservation organisations and zoos around the world, with logistics companies like FedEx taking a central role in the safe and secure travel of these precious animals.
Since the early 2000s, FedEx has been heavily involved in giant panda conservation efforts. Among the logistical innovations developed by the company for these efforts is the custom-built Panda Express freight service.
This service provides specially tailored conditions during flight, ensuring the pandas' safety and comfort throughout the journeys. This strategy has streamlined the process of moving pandas between continents, notably from China to various global zoos for breeding and research purposes.
FedEx's commitment to panda conservation
FedEx has recently marked a significant milestone in pandas' conservation and logistics effort. Panda Express has just completed the first-ever roundtrip transportation of six pandas between the United States and China, across two separate flights.
This journey began in Atlanta with four pandas being transported to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding and concluded with two pandas returned to the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute in Washington, D.C.
Throughout its involvement, spanning over two decades, FedEx has collaborated with the Chinese government and various international zoological organisations, transporting a remarkable total of 21 pandas globally to destinations including France, Scotland, the US and back to China. Their initiative not only ensures the safe travel of giant pandas but also contributes significantly to global breeding and research initiatives.
Kawal Preet, APAC President of FedEx, had been with FedEx for years before this project even began, so she understands it inside-out.
She says: "With a long history of facilitating special deliveries and more than 40 years of operations in China, FedEx has developed deep expertise in transporting pandas - one of the world’s most treasured symbols of conservation.
"Our role in these efforts extends beyond logistics to supporting global conservation initiatives and fostering international collaboration. FedEx is proud to ensure that each of these precious shipments arrives safely and securely, reflecting the trust placed in us to protect what matters most."
FedEx has developed deep expertise in transporting pandas - one of the world’s most treasured symbols of conservation.
Engagement by other logistics companies
FedEx is not alone in its engagements with the preservation of these gentle giants. Several other logistics companies are also deeply involved in giant panda conservation:
- DHL: Notable for transporting pandas and essential food supplies like bamboo.
- China Southern Airlines: Primarily ensures safe domestic and international panda travels.
- Air China: Participates actively in international zoo breeding programmes.
- UPS: Supports various wildlife transportation conservation efforts.
- Cathay Pacific Airways: Has a significant history in the logistics of panda conservation, offering tailored support for their care during transportation.
These collaborative efforts symbolise a global commitment, not just to the survival, but the flourishing of giant pandas.
“Each giant panda move is special," says Richard W. Smith, COO of FedEx. "We’re always honoured when selected as the trusted transportation provider."
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