EVA Air Ships Eastern Bongo to Taiwan for Conservation

EVA Air successfully transported Harris, a male eastern bongo, from the United States to Taiwan. Harris departed Dallas-Fort Worth aboard EVA Air cargo flight BR697 on October 26 and arrived in Taipei on October 27 after an 18-hour journey.

The transfer of Harris to Taiwan was the result of nearly six months of planning. The Houston Zoo announced plans to send the animal to the Taipei Zoo in June 2025 to support conservation efforts for the critically endangered species.

EVA Air signed a memorandum of cooperation with the Houston Zoo and committed to managing the animal’s specialized transportation. The airline prepared a special welcome banner for Harris and he was greeted by EVA Air’s Executive Vice President Ken Chung upon arrival.

During the journey, Harris was transported in a specialized crate that was secured to the cargo pallet. The cargo hold was maintained at appropriate temperature and humidity levels to meet live-animal transportation requirements. A Houston Zoo animal care professional accompanied Harris throughout the flight to monitor his condition and provide care.

The Houston Zoo placed Harris’ transport crate in his habitat several months in advance to help him become familiar with it before the journey. The original plan was to depart from Houston, but the size of the crate required the flight to originate from Dallas-Fort Worth.

The transfer of Harris supports conservation efforts at the Taipei Zoo, where he will join the remaining female eastern bongo population. The Houston Zoo and Taipei Zoo have a cooperative memorandum of understanding, and this transfer marks another milestone in their partnership.