EVA Air Transports Eastern Bongo from the U.S. to Taiwan in Support of Wildlife Conservation
Collaboration Strengthens EVA Air's Houston–Taipei Partnership and Supports Endangered Species Conservation
TAIPEI, Oct. 29, 2026 /CNW/ -- EVA Air has successfully transported Harris, a male eastern bongo, from the United States to Taiwan, fulfilling a commitment first made during the airline's 10th anniversary celebration of its Houston-Taipei route last year. Harris departed Dallas-Fort Worth aboard EVA Air cargo flight BR697 on October 26 and, following an approximately 18-hour journey, arrived in Taipei at 9:35 p.m. local time on October 27.
Harris' journey to Taiwan was more than a year in the making. In June 2025, during EVA Air's celebration of its Houston-Taipei route at the Houston Zoo, the Houston Zoo announced plans to send a male eastern bongo to the Taipei Zoo to support conservation efforts for the critically endangered species. As part of the collaboration, EVA Air signed a memorandum of cooperation with the Houston Zoo and committed to sponsoring and managing the animal's specialized transportation to Taiwan. To welcome Harris after his journey across the Pacific, EVA Air prepared a special welcome banner, and he was greeted by Executive Vice President Ken Chung. Additional guests who welcomed Harris included American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) Director Raymond Greene, Taipei City Government Deputy Secretary-General Eric Chen-Hua Yu, and Commissioner of the Department of Education Tang Chih-Min; Taipei Zoo Director Ju Shiau-Fen, Visit Houston Asia-Pacific Director Leo Yao, and Houston Zoo Animal Programs Vice President Kevin Hodge gathered upon his arrival in Taipei.
"EVA Air has reached an important milestone with 11 years of service to Houston, and the route's longstanding passenger load factor of more than 90% demonstrates the importance of this air connection between the two destinations," said EVA Air. "We are honored to support Harris' journey and contribute to conservation efforts for this critically endangered species. Throughout the transportation process, EVA Air applied the highest level of professionalism and care to ensure Harris traveled safely and comfortably to his new home in Taipei. We hope his arrival will contribute to the continued conservation and growth of the species."
Transporting Harris required nearly six months of careful planning and preparation. His journey to Taiwan will help strengthen Taipei Zoo's remaining female eastern bongo population and support ongoing conservation efforts for the critically endangered species. To help him become comfortable with his surroundings ahead of the flight, the Houston Zoo placed his transport crate in his habitat several months in advance, allowing him time to become familiar with it before the journey. While the flight was originally planned to depart from Houston, the size of Harris' specialized transport crate required a move to Dallas-Fort Worth, where he traveled aboard an EVA Air Boeing 777F freighter. His crate was carefully secured to the cargo pallet, and the cargo hold temperature and humidity were maintained in accordance with live-animal transportation requirements. A Houston Zoo animal care professional also accompanied Harris on the flight to monitor his condition, provide food and care as needed, and help keep him comfortable throughout the journey.
"The United States is proud to support partnerships that strengthen cooperation between our communities," said AIT Director Raymond Greene. "Building on the historic sister-city relationship between Houston and Taipei--the first sister-city partnership for both cities--and the 2023 cooperative memorandum of understanding between the Houston Zoo and Taipei Zoo, Harris' transfer to Taipei represents another milestone in our enduring partnership. This collaboration highlights the value of U.S.-Taiwan partnership, scientific expertise, and practical cooperation in advancing wildlife conservation, protecting biodiversity, and supporting the long-term survival of endangered species."
"As the coordinating organization for this transport, we would like to express our deepest gratitude to EVA Air for undertaking the vital mission of connecting our two destinations over the past ten years," said Visit Houston. "In addition to providing the Taiwanese community in Houston with the 'fastest way home,' EVA Air has also provided the Bongo, Harris, with the 'fastest route to his new home.' Visit Houston once again thanks EVA Air for its significant contributions to the Houston community."
"We sincerely thank EVA Air for their generous sponsorship and our sister city's Taipei Zoo for their strong support in jointly making this species conservation project a reality," said Houston Zoo. "This milestone marks an important beginning for the Bongo antelope breeding program in Southeast Asia and highlights the power of international cooperation in wildlife conservation. We look forward to Harris settling into his new home, and we are confident that the dedicated keepers at Taipei Zoo will provide him with meticulous care. Thank you all once again for your collaboration and shared commitment to wildlife conservation".
"This year marks 65 years of sister-city friendship between Houston and Taipei," said Taipei Zoo. "To commemorate this important milestone and highlight the strong cooperation between the two cities in wildlife conservation, we are welcoming Harris from the Houston Zoo to support ongoing conservation efforts for the eastern bongo. We are grateful to EVA Air for its care and support throughout Harris' journey to Taiwan and look forward to continuing our work together to protect this important species."
EVA Air followed strict operational and safety standards throughout Harris' journey, reflecting the airline's expertise in transporting specialized cargo and its commitment to wildlife conservation. EVA Air is one of a limited number of airlines worldwide to hold four International Air Transport Association (IATA) Center of Excellence for Independent Validators (CEIV) certifications, including CEIV Pharma, CEIV Lithium Batteries, CEIV Fresh and CEIV Live Animals. The airline applied its established live-animal transportation procedures for Harris' transport, helping ensure safe and consistent handling at every stage of the journey.
About EVA Air:
A Star Alliance member, EVA Air was founded in 1989 as Taiwan's first privately owned international airline. It is an affiliated company to global container-shipping leader Evergreen Line. It flies a fleet of more than 80 Boeing and Airbus aircraft to around 60 international destinations throughout Asia, Oceania, Europe, and North America. Travelers can learn more about EVA Air and schedules, book, and buy tickets at www.evaair.com.
SOURCE EVA Airways Corporation
Jen Ortega, [email protected]
Share this article