MCC Aviation, a private charter and utility helicopter operator, based at Lanseria Airport is primarily known for its safari charters and firefighting and waterbombing services. However, its Cessna Grand Caravan C208B was called on for a unique transfer toward the end of 2024: five cheetahs being relocated to their new home in Zambia. In a landmark initiative aimed at reviving cheetah populations in the wild, MCC Aviation played a crucial role in the relocation project at LoleLunga Game Ranch.
This mission not only highlighted the intricate logistics and teamwork required to make such a significant project successful, but also highlighted the importance of wildlife conservation, especially from air services. The mission was rolled out in a number of well-planned steps that saw the team not only working together under delicate circumstances, but partnering with various parties to get the cheetahs to their new homes in just one day.
The Airborne Logistics: Meticulous Pre-Planning
For this operation, MCC Aviation utilised its Cessna Grand Caravan, selected for its ideal balance of capacity and suitability. The operation required not only the transportation of five cheetahs but also three passengers: a veterinarian, a cheetah specialist, and a photographer.
Before departure, MCC Operations had various tasks to achieve to ensure that the mission was successful. Not only did it include a thorough analysis of the Caravan to ensure it would be able to handle the cargo, but they also had to identify and assess potential runways for their surface type and length. Luckily, it was confirmed that the chosen runway at LoleLunga would safely accommodate the aircraft.
MCC also had to work closely with airports along the route to arrange for fuel stops and ensure smooth customs clearance. Permission needed to be secured to fly over Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Zambia and it was MCC’s responsibility to obtain the required clearances for the proposed route.
On the day of the flight, the MCC crew oversaw the transit of the team and cheetahs through Kruger International Airport. They meticulously managed the loading of the aircraft within structural limits while considering the well-being of the cheetahs. While the pilots operated on the front line, the operations and management team at base were responsible for keeping all contracting parties updated about movements and requirements as the day evolved.
A Minefield of Hurdles: Overcoming the Logistical Challenges
This successful relocation was a collaborative effort spearheaded by the Metapopulation Initiative (TMI), funded by Lolelunga Safaris and supported by WeWild Africa. These organisations worked diligently to secure all necessary permits from international and state organisations, including CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species), the South African Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment and the various provincial authorities and the Zambian government.
Once the final permit was issued there wasn’t much time left to action the transfer, the permits had a limited operating time. It was at this point that TMI contacted MCC Aviation with a request for urgent assistance. MCC had a ticking clock to achieve this feat.
Another spanner was thrown into the works once the initial planning stages were completed. The team was informed that no fuel was available throughout Zambia due to shortages originating from the Beira fuel supply. This put the entire operation in jeopardy, but with the restrictions on the permits, the mission could not be further delayed.
MCC turned to their Zambian aviation partner, Niner Juliet Logistics, for collaboration, and together with LoleLunga’s Managing Director, were able to pull off nothing short of a miracle by securing 1000L of fuel. This restricted amount of fuel, however, meant that MCC operations had to go back to the drawing board to plan the mission.
In the meantime, the Zambian authorities required the cheetah to be quarantined at a CITES-approved facility and this is where the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre (HESC) kindly stepped in and offered to quarantine the animals. The cheetahs were then required to be transported from their donor reserves Kuzuko Lodge (Eastern Cape) and Dinokeng Game Reserve (Gauteng) to HESC in Limpopo and cleared by CITES officials (based at KMIA) before departing South Africa. Here they were darted at the quarantine facility and loaded into their transport crates, and transferred by vehicle to Nelspruit.
Sticking to a tight time schedule when working with wildlife comes with its challenges and this resulted in a delayed take-off time from Kruger International Airport. With some paperwork outstanding, the window to reach LoleLunga before sunset was fast closing. Having this delay meant that a very quick turnaround time at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport was necessary to make it to the final destination in time. Fortunately, with the help of the team from Niner Juliet Logistics, some local pilots heading to LoleLunga and the Zambian Customs Authorities; this window was met.
All Hands on Deck: Prioritising Safety and Comfort on Board
The safety and well-being of the cheetahs was a priority throughout the entire process. MCC was fortunate to be under the guidance of the renowned Dr Peter Rogers and cheetah specialist Donovan De Swardt to ensure that the cheetahs endured as little as possible discomfort under the circumstances. The cheetahs were kept awake during transport, avoiding the complications that could arise from anaesthesia. The transport crates were specifically engineered for wild cheetahs and were sturdy enough to provide a safe environment while allowing enough room for the animals to stand and shift positions comfortably.
The crew worked diligently to reduce time on the ground, carefully regulating the cabin temperature to keep the cheetahs comfortable. Customs inspections were arranged at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport to take place on the aircraft, allowing for a seamless process that avoided unnecessary unloading of the animals and crates.
A Conservation Victory: Lessons Learned and Memorable Moments
MCC Aviation’s involvement in this high-profile wildlife relocation brought unforgettable moments and countless lessons that the crew soaked up. This was the first time MCC participated in an international animal relocation and the team were moved by the significance of the mission and how it drove support and correlation between all parties involved.
In the end, the Caravan landed at LoleLunga with mere minutes to spare, and the team was greeted with gratitude from an elated and relieved team. The release of the cheetahs marked a profound moment for all involved. The cheetahs were finally free in a habitat that hadn’t seen their kind in over a century.
“Nothing could compare to the feeling of peace which was felt by all who were privileged to witness this momentous occasion” said Mike Goodwin, Managing Director, MCC Aviation.
A Look to the Future: MCC’s Role in Conservation Efforts
Looking forward, MCC Aviation stated that they are committed to supporting future wildlife conservation projects, recognising the inherent complexities and costs associated with such endeavours. TMI and WeWild Africa have plans for more cross-border relocations, and MCC aims to provide affordable logistics solutions that alleviate some of the burdens on conservation organisations.
“The biggest threat to wildlife globally is habitat loss. Human population growth is rapidly reducing the available habitat for wildlife to persist. For some species, like cheetahs, this means human mediated interventions are necessary to conserve them. Spaces between these wildlife refuges are becoming larger, which is the ultimate reason for big relocations such as this one. We consider it our social and corporate responsibility to do what we can to get involved in such efforts. Success is not final, failure is not fatal, it’s the courage to continue that counts. In the end, we successfully relocated five wild cheetahs many thousands of kilometres across the continent, in just one day!” stated Mike.
