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– Capture, Care & Management of Wildlife Course
This course material is the copyrighted intellectual property of WildlifeCampus. It may not be copied, distributed or
reproduced in any format whatsoever without the express written permission of WildlifeCampus.
1
Loading, Transport & Unloading of Game
Module 12 - Component 1
Loading, Transport & Unloading of Game
Introduction
The loading, transportation and unloading of wildlife are important to the successful
conclusion of any wildlife translocation. In this Component, procedures and
techniques for limiting stress throughout the process are provided, based on solid
experience in the field. The loading, transportation and unloading of wild animals are
by far the most critical parts of any capture exercise. At the same time, these
management actions are the easiest, despite the fact that it is certainly the time
during which the animals are most stressed, as they are trapped and unable to
escape. It is more often the case that there is inadequate control of the animals during
this phase of the capture operation. In the boma, before entering the crush, the
animals usually escape if there is insufficient control, something they were unable to
do during loading and while being transported.
– Capture, Care & Management of Wildlife Course
This course material is the copyrighted intellectual property of WildlifeCampus. It may not be copied, distributed or
reproduced in any format whatsoever without the express written permission of WildlifeCampus.
2
Loading, Transport & Unloading of Game
Any improvement in techniques or facilities must always be encouraged in a constant
quest to reduce stress in the animals wherever possible. All too often, this aspect of
capture is overlooked, resulting in animals being caught before sufficient thought has
been given to where they are going and the means and availability of transport to
get them there. The smooth operation depends on foreseeing potential problems so
that provision can be made for them before they occur during capture, as deaths at
this stage are mostly unnecessary. The ability to anticipate potential problems is largely
dependent on past experience. The principle of maintaining complete control of the
animals at all stages to prevent stress is most apparent during the phase of loading
and transportation.
– Capture, Care & Management of Wildlife Course
This course material is the copyrighted intellectual property of WildlifeCampus. It may not be copied, distributed or
reproduced in any format whatsoever without the express written permission of WildlifeCampus.
3
Loading, Transport & Unloading of Game
Loading wild animals
When undertaking small, individual darting exercises, the anaesthetised animal is
usually carried to a vehicle and loaded using a net or an improvised steel stretcher.
Provided the distance involved in moving the anaesthetised animal to a central
loading place is not too great, the animal may be transported in its anaesthetised
state. If not, it must be transferred to a crate and the narcotic drug reversed before
transporting the animal. It is important that blindfolds be used on the animals until the
drug is reversed, so as to protect their eyes. Once the animal is placed in the crate, it
may be quieted down with a tranquilliser appropriate to the species and situation, and
then transported as soon as possible to the site of release.
For large ungulates such as buffalo and eland bulls, loading without specialised
equipment should be discouraged. It should rather be done with a special crate and
Hi-AB crane facility. Individual small antelope, irrespective of how they are caught –
either by a dazzling light at night or in a net boma – should be restrained, blindfolded
and tranquillised immediately upon capture and placed into suitable individual crates
for transportation under long-acting tranquillisation. In large mass boma captures, a
great deal of experience is necessary to ensure that the operation runs smoothly.
Generally, the animals should be loaded immediately upon capture except when
they have been severely pushed when it is better to have them rest a while before
loading. The solid crush provides well for this purpose in that the animals are confined
and can be rested at the ramp base, thus placing little further exertion on them when
loading.
– Capture, Care & Management of Wildlife Course
This course material is the copyrighted intellectual property of WildlifeCampus. It may not be copied, distributed or
reproduced in any format whatsoever without the express written permission of WildlifeCampus.
4
Loading, Transport & Unloading of Game
The advantage of placing the animals in the crush immediately rather than resting
them overnight in the boma is that they are unaccustomed to the boma design and
generally respond favourably, moving through it easily in a bid to escape. When rested
for some time, particularly overnight or even longer, they quickly sum up the situation.
They establish a routine movement within the main section of the boma where they
continually circle thereafter. Even when the next curtain is opened to push them
forward, they usually run past it, back and around, rather than passing through. More
pressure is then required in terms of beaters, which can have an adverse effect on the
animals. They may start breaking through the ranks of the beaters, quickly becoming
stressed. If this happens, the character of the boma needs to be changed slightly by
introducing additional curtains to discourage the animals from circling.
Depending on the boma design, animals freshly caught usually run through the boma
gates, through the crush and directly onto the truck. The probability of this occurring
depends on the ability of the operator to anticipate the reaction of the captured
animals upon entering the boma, determining areas where they may challenge the
plastic, which would prevent them from moving through smoothly. Avoid having any
sudden sharp bends in the boma sides that result in the plastic extending directly
across the anticipated route of the animals running up the boma. There should also
be no sudden change in colour tone, and even the crush should be painted in a similar
colour to the plastic.
– Capture, Care & Management of Wildlife Course
This course material is the copyrighted intellectual property of WildlifeCampus. It may not be copied, distributed or
reproduced in any format whatsoever without the express written permission of WildlifeCampus.
5
Loading, Transport & Unloading of Game
Once the animals are secured in the crush, they are more easily coaxed forward from
above the crush sides, using plastic sheeting from the top. If they become reluctant to
move up the ramp, two or three people may enter the crush area from behind the
animals through the staff entrance gates and gently push them up the ramp, using
plastic or a push board. Loading animals can be dangerous, with a real possibility of
people being kicked, bitten or even gored, and therefore only experienced personnel
should participate at this point. If necessary, plastic sheeting can be used to herd
impala, whereas a push board from galvanised iron or block board, in conjunction
with the plastic, is used for other species. This arrangement should be moved slowly
forward towards the animals, forcing them up the ramp and into the crate.
Occasionally, the animals may double back past the board or even over it. The
loading team then quickly moves to one side, using the boards as a shield, moving in
“crab style” back to the rear.
They allow the animals to run back past them before swinging around and back
behind the animals again to push them forward. It is important not to panic or leave
the security of the board. Apart from being dangerous to the operators, it can be
extremely stressful to the animals. Using the right ramp and crush design, loading is
most often achieved without having to enter the crush at all, even when loading the
more dangerous species, such as buffalo and giraffes. When capturing buffalo,
however, under no circumstance should people be inside the crush with the animals,
as they are too dangerous and will immediately attack. Usually, the animals can be
loaded easily from the top of the crush, using plastic. However, should they become
stubborn, they may be forced forward in the crush, using a motorised solid board
mounted to the front of the chase vehicle, as described earlier. This doubles as the
rear gate as the unit enters the crush, gently forcing the animals up the ramp into the
truck.
– Capture, Care & Management of Wildlife Course
This course material is the copyrighted intellectual property of WildlifeCampus. It may not be copied, distributed or
reproduced in any format whatsoever without the express written permission of WildlifeCampus.
6
Loading, Transport & Unloading of Game
Depending on the number of animals brought forward for loading each time, buffalo
soon will challenge the board and they either attack it or simply lie down and ignore
any further attempts to load them. This problem can be alleviated to a degree by
using an electric prodder or rope, if necessary; however, even these measures will
eventually be challenged. A stalemate situation is best overcome by leaving the area,
allowing the animals to rest before attempting to load them again. When large herds
of antelope too numerous for one or two loads are placed in a boma, they should be
divided into more manageable groups. Plastic sheeting is used to this end, supported
from overhead cables pulled either by hand or by the chase vehicle if dealing with
buffalo. Buffalo, in particular, are intimidated by plastic sheeting and rarely challenge
it.
Most species load reasonably easily. However, kudu and waterbuck tend to jump into
corners, resulting in heightened stress and injury to themselves. Zebra are notorious for
biting and kicking, which must be guarded against. Sable, roan and gemsbok will
quickly challenge the loading board, but they can usually be backed up the ramp
into the truck, provided not too much pressure is placed on them. If they are
pressurised, they will kneel and fight off the board. Wildebeest can be a problem in
narrow ramps as they occasionally turn in the ramp, blocking it and preventing access
by other individuals. However, with patience, they can be loaded without too much
trauma. For this reason, a wide ramp, particularly one with a wide base converging in
width to the top, is preferred over a parallel design, which is quickly blocked by
wildebeest.
– Capture, Care & Management of Wildlife Course
This course material is the copyrighted intellectual property of WildlifeCampus. It may not be copied, distributed or
reproduced in any format whatsoever without the express written permission of WildlifeCampus.
7
Loading, Transport & Unloading of Game
Loading impala can be a problem and rather than using a loading board, plastic
sheeting on its own works better. Species like tsessebe should be caught and treated
with depot neuroleptics in the crush and allowed to rest to gain the full effects of
tranquillisation before they are loaded. Depending on the condition of the animals,
they can be confined in the ramp areas, quickly caught and then bundled into
individual crates after a tranquilliser, such as Haloperidol, has been administered.
Some species are best crated individually, and this can be achieved by moving the
truck forward and loading one crate at a time through the ramp. Alternatively, the
animals may be forced into a line of crates set up end to end, each of which can be
closed off once the animals settle into individual crates. Instead, they are best caught
using a net boma right from the start and then crated individually.
When bulk-loading, once the required number of animals has entered the truck, either
the crate door or the ramp door is closed, depending on which door is easiest to
operate. When modified cattle crates are used, the door arrangement is usually rather
complicated. Consequently, it is better to close in the animals initially using the ramp
door. Thereafter, the door of the truck can be secured using a temporary board
lowered from the top, before finally moving the vehicle from the ramp and then
closing the crate doors and the drop side. The number of animals loaded in a crate
depends on the size of the crate and the species being caught. The importance of
not overloading cannot be emphasised enough, as overloading invariably leads to
heavy mortalities. As a rule of thumb, in the standard 5–7-ton cattle truck-type crate,
15–17 sable, wildebeest or tsessebe may be loaded, or ten zebra or eland. Some 35
impala may be comfortably loaded in a crate of this kind.
– Capture, Care & Management of Wildlife Course
This course material is the copyrighted intellectual property of WildlifeCampus. It may not be copied, distributed or
reproduced in any format whatsoever without the express written permission of WildlifeCampus.
8
Loading, Transport & Unloading of Game
A number of bulls of species known to fight in confinement, such as kudu, eland and
waterbuck, can be quickly separated and secured in separate compartments,
provided that this information is communicated early in the drive to qualified
personnel at the crush and the correct equipment is in place. Qualified personnel then
stand by to separate the animals quickly into individual compartments soon after they
enter the crate. After they have entered the crate, there is generally a few minutes of
confusion before the animals become aware that they are trapped, and they
commence attacking one another. Separating them before this happens will prevent
injury by horning.
The above scenario is the main reason why our latest mass crate has been designed
with partition doors to be operated from the top, with large hatches above each
compartment to facilitate supervision. Using this system, the person observing the bulls
entering can also close the partition doors from above to take full advantage of the
confusion while it lasts. In practice, this manoeuvre is easier than imagined, as the
animals move about in the crate in their bewilderment, seeking a way of escape
before concentrating on one another. Their movement between compartments lends
itself well to separation. As soon as the partition doors are closed, the animals are
tranquillised. If there are several animals per compartment, their horns may also be
piped quickly before they begin to attack each other.
– Capture, Care & Management of Wildlife Course
This course material is the copyrighted intellectual property of WildlifeCampus. It may not be copied, distributed or
reproduced in any format whatsoever without the express written permission of WildlifeCampus.
9
Loading, Transport & Unloading of Game
Transporting wild animals
Although the responsibility of transporting the captured animals technically lies with
the transporter, poor transportation will always be blamed on the operator. It is
generally better to refuse to load the animals into poor transport than to take a
chance, even if the recipient absolves the operator of all responsibility, as the
reputation of the operator will be at stake in the long run. Alternative transport should
be made available to the recipient, even if at greater cost, to provide for the
wellbeing of the animals in the end. Crate design is important, as discussed in detail
under the relevant subsections in Module # 10. The need for proper crate construction
cannot be overemphasised, as improperly designed crates invariably have
inadequate ventilation and space and are insecure, increasing stress to the already
traumatised animals. The danger of overloading has been discussed.
It is important to ensure that good bedding of rubber mats, soil or sawdust is placed in
the crate beforehand to prevent the animals from slipping, which is almost always
fatal. When soil is used, it should be slightly moistened to reduce dust, which otherwise
alarms the animals and can initiate respiratory problems. Wetting the floor also helps
to cool the animals down later as the moisture evaporates. The best solution for flooring
is a mat base from vehicle tyre material, made specifically for the crates. On top of
the base, grass bedding is placed rather than soil, which is heavy and corrosive to the
crates and equipment. Depending on the species and circumstances, the use of
depot neuroleptics is essential. Anaesthetised animals should always be completely
reversed in the crates, unless under constant surveillance and maintained in a sternal
recumbent position. Once the animals have been loaded into bulk crates and the
door has been closed, the truck engine starting up will help to calm them. It is not
known whether the calming effect results directly from the engine noise or from the
vibration it causes underfoot, but it is evident, nevertheless. The crate door should be
secured, and the truck sent on its way with minimum delay.
– Capture, Care & Management of Wildlife Course
This course material is the copyrighted intellectual property of WildlifeCampus. It may not be copied, distributed or
reproduced in any format whatsoever without the express written permission of WildlifeCampus.
10
Loading, Transport & Unloading of Game
Although it is important to avoid delays and get the truck moving as soon as possible,
it is more important to ensure that the animals have been properly sorted before they
are sent on their way. For instance, adult males of species like kudu, eland, waterbuck
and impala should already have been separated from the herd during loading to
prevent horning. It is generally a fallacy to think that fighting among the captured
animals will eventually cease once the truck is moving. Where there is a problem,
identify the culprits and sort out the problem through separation between
compartments and tranquillisation. If this not possible, or is not working, unload the
animals back into the crush to calm them down before reloading. Often, the animals
are too hot and require an opportunity to cool down before being reloaded. A sturdy
crush will rule out any chance of escape. Possibly the only species that may be
transported while not quite settled, is zebra. However, fighting among zebra may have
resulted from inadvertently mixing individuals from another herd during the helicopter
drive. This problem will not be resolved until those individuals have been separated.
It is important that the driver is sufficiently experienced, if not with game transport, then
certainly with movement of general livestock, to ensure minimum disturbance of the
animals during transit. Any sudden acceleration, braking or swerving must be avoided
altogether. Every few hours the vehicle should stop for routine tyre checks and allow
the animals to stretch and urinate. Some species, for example, sable, lie down as soon
as the vehicle starts moving and they should be encouraged to stand for a few
minutes during stopovers on prolonged journeys. They may require stimulation to stand
to prevent lameness later on. These stops should be no longer than 5–10 minutes and
never alongside a noisy place such as a bar or garage. Under no circumstances
should bystanders be allowed to climb up onto the crates to view the animals.
– Capture, Care & Management of Wildlife Course
This course material is the copyrighted intellectual property of WildlifeCampus. It may not be copied, distributed or
reproduced in any format whatsoever without the express written permission of WildlifeCampus.
11
Loading, Transport & Unloading of Game
In hot weather, transportation is best carried out at night to reduce heat, stress and
noise. Should the truck have to stop for any length of time, wherever possible a large,
shady tree should be sought to keep the animals cool. Transportation can take place
over several hours or even days. Provided that the crates are not overloaded, the
animals are comfortable and there are no major setbacks, they should arrive at the
other end probably a little stiff, but in reasonable condition. It is imperative to obviate
the possibility of breakdowns and unnecessary holdups during transportation. The
vehicle must be fitted with good tyres and must be sufficiently maintained to be able
to start up without needing to be pushed. A good spare tyre, preferably two, should
be available with the necessary spanner and jack to reduce standing time.
The vehicle should be fitted with long-range fuel tanks or fuel in drums that can be
siphoned off to ensure adequate fuel for the entire journey. The driver, who should be
reliable and a non-drinker, should be armed with a written note providing information
on, and directions for, the intended journey. He or she must be provided with contact
numbers of people to contact in case of an emergency along the way. The driver
should also be provided with a cash float sufficient for purchasing fuel, repairing
punctures, or making relevant telephone calls in the event of a breakdown.
– Capture, Care & Management of Wildlife Course
This course material is the copyrighted intellectual property of WildlifeCampus. It may not be copied, distributed or
reproduced in any format whatsoever without the express written permission of WildlifeCampus.
12
Loading, Transport & Unloading of Game
Where possible, two drivers should accompany the animals on journeys in excess of
twenty hours. They can change every four hours to reduce fatigue and therefore limit
the possibility of a driver falling asleep at the wheel. By law, immediately after loading,
the animals have to be sprayed with an acaricide, preferably one of the pyrethroids
such as Deadline®. Alternatively, a recognised drench dip using a standard backpack
sprayer may be employed, or the chemical dripped through drip lines secured above
the animals in the design of the crate. The latter method is preferred, as water can be
introduced thereafter to cool the animals down in the event of vehicle breakdown or
some other delay. Where serious problems occur in the crate during transportation,
for example, if an animal collapses, there is very little one can do but to continue with
the journey. Certainly, it is not advisable to enter the crate to try and render assistance
to the animal. Prevention is always better rather than trying to remedy problems after
they have occurred.
Where an adult bull is repeatedly attacking other animals in the crate, it immediately
should be tranquillised using Azaperone, or separated if possible. Care must be taken
not to overdo this, as the other animals will trample the tranquillised animal if it goes
down. It is extremely important to offload the animals immediately on arrival at their
destination. Too often farmers are still trying to finish the boma when the animals arrive.
Due to the delay in unloading, the vehicle has to stand for some time, which can result
in a significant loss of animals at this stage, particularly aggressive animals like tsessebe
and zebra. It is extremely important to avoid this situation when waterbuck, kudu and
impala are being transported. When left overnight, they tend to jump at the light gaps
in the crate, particularly during the dawn twilight.
– Capture, Care & Management of Wildlife Course
This course material is the copyrighted intellectual property of WildlifeCampus. It may not be copied, distributed or
reproduced in any format whatsoever without the express written permission of WildlifeCampus.
13
Loading, Transport & Unloading of Game
Unloading animals from crates
Generally, this aspect of capture is the easiest and the least stressful, unless the animals
have to be physically manhandled out of the truck. Where possible, manhandling
should be avoided, and the truck left at the ramp to allow the animals to vacate it at
their leisure when all is quiet. Animals like sable and gemsbok are particularly reluctant
to leave the security of the crate to which they have become accustomed, but
eventually, they will proceed out if left undisturbed. If the animals are still lying down,
they should nevertheless be aroused onto their feet to improve blood circulation.
Crates with large doors at the rear are more suited for unloading, as exposing the
animals to a large opening makes them less inclined to remain inside the truck. They
can be encouraged to move out with little effort from the front side-loading door,
pushing them out through the back using plastic or a push board. Although it is not
advisable to manhandle the animals, this is sometimes unavoidable due to the short
turnaround time of the truck or when the animals have become lame from the journey.
Under these circumstances, usually, only one or two animals have to be removed,
where after the remainder quickly follow. Noise should be kept to an absolute
minimum during unloading. Spectators should be discouraged, giving the animals the
best possible chance to settle down.
– Capture, Care & Management of Wildlife Course
This course material is the copyrighted intellectual property of WildlifeCampus. It may not be copied, distributed or
reproduced in any format whatsoever without the express written permission of WildlifeCampus.
14
Loading, Transport & Unloading of Game
The boma should be well prepared beforehand in terms of food and water, in order
to prevent unnecessary entrance into the boma or disturbance during the first two
days of occupancy. This is vital, as the animals must be given the chance to establish
themselves in their new surroundings, where they will quickly settle down, drink and
commence feeding. Animals may be free-released depending on the requirement of
the farmers, although the author is a strong advocate of using a boma before final
release. Free release has been largely unsuccessful and should only be considered on
large properties where water and food are abundant and where disturbance by
humans is minimal.
Forcing animals to jump from the truck without using a ramp is extremely foolish, as it
can lead to broken legs and increased trauma. Where a ramp is not available, a
portable one can be made from angle iron with a timber floor, which can be dragged
up against the truck for unloading. Once the animals are released into the boma, the
ramp can immediately be dragged out again. It is not necessary to have sides to the
ramp, provided, of course, that it is within the security of the boma fence. The animals
generally run directly away from the truck, down the ramp and seldom off the side.
Alternatively, grain bags or grass bales may be piled up against the crate. Animals
may be released from individual crates in a similar fashion. Either the crate is placed
on the ground, or the entrance ramp is placed against the crate and individual
animals are encouraged to run down it. The small trailer or ramp unit described earlier
can be used effectively for this purpose. Once the animals have been released, the
boma gate should be secured and the area vacated to allow them to settle down
peacefully.
A general rule of thumb for the introduction of game is:
Veld to veld
Boma to boma
Boma to veld