A herd of 116 yaks recently traveled by airplane 2,000 kilometers from Kyrgyzstan to Azerbaijan.
Silk Way West Airlines says the mission was conducted at the request of the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Azerbaijan to bolster the breeding program in Kalbajar. The yaks, known for being “easy keepers” and multipurpose animals, are vital to the agricultural biodiversity of Azerbaijan.
At Manas International Airport in Bishkek, the yaks were loaded onto a Boeing 747-400F. Special crates were designed to protect the yaks from injury and stress during their travels. Within the aircraft, Silk Way West says advanced ventilation and temperature control systems were used to maintain an optimal environment.
When the yaks arrived in Azerbaijan, they were transported by truck to their new homes in the lush pastures of Kalbajar. Here, they are contributing to local agricultural practices and enhancing the genetic diversity of the region's livestock.
"We are honored to support sustainable agriculture and biodiversity through expert handling and transportation of live animals. This collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture underscores our commitment to enhancing local ecosystems and contributing to global sustainability efforts," says Vugar Mammadov, vice president, CIS and Central Asia at Silk Way West Airlines.
The leading cargo airline in the Caspian and Central Asian region has a longstanding history of managing complex live animal shipments.
Other animals that Silk Way West has flown include alpacas, kangaroos, dogs, horses and European bison.
