Delta Bans Transport of Some Trophy Animals

Atlanta-based carrier Delta Air Lines has announced that it will no longer accept trophy animals such as lions, leopoards, and buffaloes as freight.

Delta previously allowed such trophies to be transported if they came with proper documentation and if the animal in question was not a member of a protected species, WSB-TV says. Delta is the only U.S. carrier that has flights directly to South Africa, where South African Airways previously instituted a ban on transportation of such trophies.

The airline released the following statement on Monday:

“Effective immediately, Delta will officially ban shipment of all lion, leopard, elephant, rhinoceros and buffalo trophies worldwide as freight. Prior to this ban, Delta’s strict acceptance policy called for absolute compliance with all government regulations regarding protected species. Delta will also review acceptance policies of other hunting trophies with appropriate government agencies and other organizations supporting legal shipments.”

Delta’s policy on transportation of trophy animals changed after an alleged trophy hunting dentist from Minnesota killed Cecil the Lion after he was lured outside of a wildlife reserve in Zimbabwe on July 1.