From a disabled chimpanzee to a mobile heart clinic, DHL’s 2024 deliveries highlight its exceptional ability to handle diverse and purposeful shipments with precision and care.
A notable example is the transfer of Chocolate, a disabled chimpanzee, from Kenya to her new home at the World Monkey Rescue Center in Dorset, UK. Chocolate was rescued as an infant in 2001 after surviving the illegal bushmeat trade in Congo, and was cared for in Kenya for more than two decades. However, she needed a permanent home that could provide specialized care for her paralyzing hand and foot injuries.
DHL prioritized Chocolat’s flight, ensuring her safety and comfort throughout the process. Her journey began with a flight from Nairobi to East Midlands Airport in the UK and ended with a road trip to Dorset. Traveling in a specially designed box filled with fruits and sweet potatoes, Chocolat was accompanied by animal experts every step of the way. Upon her arrival, she was warmly introduced to six other chimpanzees, finally finding the family she had been missing from her days in the wild.
Another memorable delivery included more than 130 pieces of James Bond memorabilia being transported from the ‘Bond in Motion’ exhibition in Prague to the ‘007 Action’ exhibition in Vienna. This shipment included signature items such as 27 cars, eight motorcycles, costumes and props. Highlights of the cars included the legendary Aston Martin DB5, which appeared in eight Bond films, and the snowmobile from the Bond film. Die another day. Using 22 specialized trucks with hydraulic lifts, DHL ensured the safe transportation of these cinematic treasures over a distance of 330 kilometres.
Closer to home, DHL supported historic conservation efforts in South Africa by transporting 163 endangered Cape Vultures and African White-backed Vultures. In January, the birds were transferred from a rehabilitation facility near Pretoria to the Shamwari Wildlife Reserve in the Eastern Cape. This operation, which extended over a distance of more than 1,000 km, represented the largest vulture relocation project ever. With two 34-tonne trucks, five support vehicles, and more than 50 volunteers, DHL ensured the 18-hour journey was completed smoothly, providing the birds a safe habitat to thrive and breed.
The arts also benefited from DHL’s expertise when the London Philharmonic Orchestra embarked on a tour of Japan. DHL transported 60 valuable musical instruments, including double basses, cellos and timpani, from the UK to the Hamamatsu Concert Hall. The 9,500-kilometre journey required careful planning, including maintaining a constant temperature between 17 and 21 degrees Celsius to prevent hardware damage. Specially designed shock-absorbing cases ensured their safety, and DHL delivered them on time for shows in Hamamatsu, Nagoya, Osaka and Tokyo.
In February 2024, DHL delivered a mobile heart clinic from Bremen, Germany, to Zacamel, El Salvador. This world-first clinic, developed by German non-profit organization Kinderherzen, provides life-saving surgeries to children with congenital heart defects in areas that lack specialized medical facilities. The clinic was transported in 11 containers via sea and land, and was operational within 15 days of arrival. She remained in El Salvador until May, providing free treatments, before DHL transferred her to Burundi, where she continued her life-saving mission.
These extraordinary deliveries demonstrate DHL’s commitment not only to logistics but also to making a meaningful impact across diverse sectors. From wildlife conservation to cultural conservation and humanitarian aid, DHL’s operations in 2024 reflect the power of logistics to connect, support and change lives globally.
