Caehopkin, Abercrave,
Swansea Valley, SA9 1UD
South Wales, UK
Tel +44 (0) 1639 730276
Email:-  info@cefn-yr-erw.co.uk

When we first travelled to Ireland to visit Peter & Freddie we also met their neighbours, the Baboon Family, and decided we must rescue them as well. Peter & Freddie had been advertised as "The Smoking Chimps" to attract visitors to the Causeway Safari Park in Benvarden. Not only were they supplied with cigarettes but also the matches to light them. BMI Baby (British Midland Airlines) flew us out to Ireland, not just once, but twice, to make arrangements and to secure the release of the animals from the USPCA.  Work began on the new enclosures back at our sanctuary in Wales and we began searching for a way to transport the precious cargos quickly and safely.  

We were struggling to find a company able to handle the large crates and other special requirements, when Frank Haynes of DHL Cargo at East Midlands Airport made the marvellous gesture of offering to fly The Chimps and The Baboons in their specially adapted planes, which they use for race horses. 

Justina from DHL's London Office then called us and offered to arrange the road transportation. From then on Frank and Justina took over and organised every detail.

The plan was to first bring The Chimps to Wales, and The Baboons were to follow within three weeks.

Simon, our vet, was concerned about the heating on the plane, as the chimps were quite elderly.  They would get cold in their tranquilised state during an over-night road journey to Dublin and an early flight in wintry January.  Neither could we risk clothing them whilst they were tranquilised, as we were not sure how they would react. 

We found a company named Seymour International who made thermally insulated container covers, under their trade name "TEMPRO". These looked to be just what we needed.  Mr Seymour himself  returned our call for help "What do you need, and when?" he asked. 

The following morning his men arrived & fitted the jackets to our containers (That really is service at its very best). 

The chimps arrived safely at the Sanctuary, but it was almost two years before we saw The Baboons again, and now there was a little newcomer to the group. We named the baby "Tiny" after the Mascot of  BMI who again assisted us with  flights to and from Ireland. 

The Irish car rental agent was very polite, but she paled when we explained we were going to rescue a family of Baboons. She was much happier however when she learnt that they were not coming back with us in the hire car! 

Tiny the baby baboon

Again our friends rallied round and gave their services without question to finally bring The Baboon Family over to Wales, where they are now happily installed in their new quarters.

We are eternally grateful to BMI, DHL, Seymour International, our vet, and all those others who helped us to create a home for these deserving animals.