- Lufthansa Cargo has transported two trained sniffer dogs to South Africa as part of the “Rettet das Nashorn” (Save the Rhino) wildlife project, supporting anti-poaching efforts on the ground.
- The operation forms part of the airline’s ongoing involvement in transporting animals for conservation purposes, using its specialist logistics capabilities to move highly trained working dogs to areas where they are deployed to detect illegal wildlife products and support the protection of endangered species.
“We were honored to fly two more sniffer dogs for the “Rettet das Nashorn” (Save the Rhino) wildlife project – proving once again that logistics is about more than moving cargo. It’s about moving what matters. By transporting highly trained sniffer dogs, we help enable on-the-ground efforts against poaching and support those who protect endangered species.”
The transport was carried out using Lufthansa Cargo’s specialised live animal logistics capabilities, in collaboration with AnimalLogistics FRA GmbH.
“Amid strike-related disruptions, teamwork made the difference: Passengers and dogs arrived in South Africa one day earlier than planned. The dogs are already part of their new pack, ready to protect wildlife on the ground.”
When a dog from the “Save the Rhino” project departs from Frankfurt, it is not a routine shipment but the start of a mission. The destination is South Africa, where anti-poaching units operate in remote areas to combat wildlife crime.
Lufthansa Cargo is responsible for transporting these trained sniffer dogs, which are deployed by rangers to detect illegal wildlife products and support enforcement efforts on the ground. The project operates against a backdrop of continued pressure on endangered species. In South Africa, a rhino is killed approximately every 20 hours, with populations declining from over 22,000 in 2012 to around 13,000 today. Rhino horn continues to be traded at high value, despite being composed of keratin.
Poaching operations extend beyond rhinos to other species, including elephants and pangolins, increasing the demand for effective detection and prevention tools. The “Save the Rhino” initiative, led by dog trainer Perdita Lübbe-Scheuermann, focuses on strengthening anti-poaching capabilities through the deployment of trained detection dogs. These animals are used to identify rhino horn, ivory, pangolin scales, weapons and ammunition.
The dogs used in the programme are sourced from animal rescue shelters, including the Viernheim shelter in Germany. Selected for their energy and strong sense of smell, breeds such as Malinois, German Shepherds and mixed breeds undergo specialised training before deployment. Training is carried out by experienced handlers, including Lübbe-Scheuermann and Nicole Tomera, with additional support from dog academy teams and police dog handlers. The focus is on detection work, rather than protection roles, to reduce exposure to direct conflict in the field.
Transporting the dogs to South Africa requires detailed preparation and strict compliance with international regulations. Before departure, animals must undergo vaccinations, multiple blood tests and obtain official veterinary health certification within defined timeframes.
Lufthansa Cargo operates multiple weekly connections from Frankfurt, Munich and Zurich to South Africa, but transport approval is only granted once all documentation requirements are met. Specialist logistics provider AnimalLogistics FRA GmbH manages the process, coordinating transport arrangements and ensuring compliance with all regulatory requirements.
During transit, the dogs travel in dedicated transport containers, with all movements conducted in line with IATA Live Animals Regulations and international wildlife trade standards. At Frankfurt, the animals pass through Lufthansa Cargo’s Animal Lounge facility, a 4,000 square metre handling centre designed specifically for live animal transport. The facility integrates handling, veterinary care and coordination services, with dedicated areas for import, export and transit operations.
