Animals Killed During Air Transport

by Delinda Smith and Sarah Wahlert

Lizards, snakes and frogs being sent to Swiss zoos and pet shops from Madagascar by air recently died after the temperature of the cargo hold they were in decreased to 55 degrees Fahrenheit.

A large number of centipedes survived, but were found to be in poor condition after they arrived.

Martin Schreiber, the Executive Director of the Reptile Center in Zurich, had told employees of the airline hired to transport the approximately 1,800 animals about "the delicate nature of the cargo."

The reason for the temperature decrease is unknown.

Under normal circumstances, the temperature of an airplane hold containing one or more animals is kept above 67 degrees Fahrenheit.

Large groups of animals are not shipped by air frequently because of the significant expense involved.

Airlines that fail to properly care for an animal usually are required to compensate the owner(s) and pay a fine.

© 2003 Animal News Center, Inc.