The Black Rhino Range Expansion Project recently successfully transported 19 black rhinos 1 500 kilometres across South Africa. They did this by airlifting each rhino by its ankles before carrying it upside down!

This might not sound like the most humane of acts, but in this situation, saving the critically endangered species is top priority. The technique actually helps to move the large beasts safely and effectively. Previously rhinos were either transported by lorry over very difficult tracks, or airlifted in a net. This new procedure is gentler on the darted rhino because it shortens the time it has to be kept asleep with drugs, medications no prescription respiration is not as compromised as it can be in a net, and it avoids the need for travel in a crate over terrible tracks.

Another advantage is that rhinos can be more easily removed from dangerous situations, for example if they have fallen asleep in a donga or other difficult terrain after being darted. The helicopter translocations usually take less than ten minutes, and the animals suffer no ill effect. All of the veterinarians working on the translocation agreed that this was now the method of choice for the well-being of the animals.

See more of these incredible images below:

[Source: WWF]