July 5 - When Russia's finest walrus found itself in need of urgent dental work AirBridgeCargo Airlines (ABC) flew to the rescue, writes Sylvana Vilca-Melendez.
Sgata-Neseyka, a rare subspecies of Atlantic walrus has become a star attraction, prospering under the expert care and attention of keepers at Russia's Udmurtskiy Zoo. He entertains the crowds by singing, dancing, clapping, playing the tambourine even kissing the hands of fans, but has now found himself in quite a crunch.
When the zookeepers discovered this 520 kg walrus needed treatment to extract an ingrowing tusk they knew Tierpark Hagenbeck TPG Hamburg, Germany, was the ideal place for rehabilitation and ABC was the ideal airline for their special transportation.
Not quite the usual shipment that the airline carries but nevertheless it ensured Sgata-Neseyka arrived on time and in good health. Flying the walrus in a special cage and keeping the aircraft's cabin at +5-10 deg C during the flight.
This multi-talented walrus will spend the next few weeks in Germany to recover from its operation before returning to the zoo and getting his tusks, or should that be tusk! stuck into performing again.
