Logistics operator to the rescue

Logistics may be their passion, but flamingo chicks touch their hearts. Being hundreds of kilometres away from where a large-scale rescue operation was under way to save more than 1000 dehydrated lesser flamingo chicks from their breeding ground in Kamfers Dam near Kimberley did not deter the team from the Cool Train Company from getting involved when they heard about the birds’ plight. “We immediately knew that we wanted to be involved and try and help in whatever way we can,” said Zurayda Christians of The Cool Train. Christians, along with DAZU Rail and Port Logistics Solutions and MechMobility, developed the Cool Train, a rail solution for fruit exports that is expected to become operational within the next few weeks. Hundreds of flamingo chicks had to be rescued from Kamfers Dam near Kimberley in the Northern Cape after the
dam all but dried up, leaving thousands of birds and eggs stranded. It is one of only three breeding grounds for southern Africa’s famous pink birds – and the chicks were left to fend for themselves when many of the adults were forced to leave the area in search of water. Whilst the dam was littered with dead chick carcasses and dead adult flamingos, rescuers managed to save more than 1500 chicks along with hundreds of eggs. Thousands more are expected in weeks
to come as the eggs start hatching. Many of the chicks have been transferred to rescue facilities across the country. “We approached Maersk Shipping Line for a container and they immediately came on board to assist us. It’s a case of all hands on deck so to speak,” said Christians. The Cool Train has been responsible for the transport of the container which will be used as a refrigerator for the fish being fed to the birds in Onderstepoort.