Intradco Global and parent company, Chapman Freeborn, have worked together on a charter flight to transport 18 giraffes from O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) to Río de Janeiro Galeão Airport (GIG).

Averaging 4.3-5.7 meters when fully grown, the animals were transported whist still young to ensure they had the legally required head clearance in the 2.95 meter-high crates, which were made of metal and plywood to make them both sturdy and leak-proof.

Two attendants travelled with them during their 10-hour direct flight, one of whom was a breeder who has known the giraffes their whole lives, continually monitoring their wellbeing and providing them with fresh food and water as required.