EVA Air has transported Harris, a male eastern bongo, from the United States to Taiwan to support conservation of the critically endangered species. Harris left Dallas-Fort Worth on EVA Air cargo flight BR697 on October 26 and arrived in Taipei at 9:35 p.m. local time on October 27, following an approximately 18-hour journey. The transfer fulfilled a commitment made during the airline’s 10th anniversary celebration of its Houston-Taipei route last year. EVA Air has now reached 11 years of service to Houston, where its route has had a longstanding passenger load factor of more than 90%.
A Long Planned Journey
Harris’ journey to Taiwan was more than a year in the making. During the Houston-Taipei route celebration at the Houston Zoo in June 2025, the Houston Zoo announced plans to send a male eastern bongo to Taipei Zoo. EVA Air signed a memorandum of cooperation with the Houston Zoo and committed to sponsor and manage the animal’s specialized transportation.
Nearly six months of planning and preparation went into the move. The Houston Zoo placed Harris’ transport crate in his habitat several months before the flight so he could become familiar with it.
Flight From Dallas Fort Worth
The flight was originally planned to leave Houston, but Harris’ specialized transport crate required the journey to begin at Dallas-Fort Worth. He traveled in an EVA Air Boeing 777F freighter, with his crate secured to the cargo pallet and cargo hold temperature and humidity maintained in accordance with live-animal transportation requirements.
A Houston Zoo animal care professional accompanied Harris to monitor his condition, provide food and care as needed, and help keep him comfortable during the journey.
Welcome in Taipei
EVA Air prepared a special welcome banner for Harris’ arrival across the Pacific. Executive Vice President Ken Chung greeted him alongside American Institute in Taiwan Director Raymond Greene, Taipei City Government Deputy Secretary-General Eric Chen-Hua Yu, Department of Education Commissioner 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.
Harris’ arrival is intended to strengthen Taipei Zoo’s remaining female eastern bongo population and support continuing conservation efforts for the critically endangered species. The transfer also follows the 2023 cooperative memorandum of understanding between the Houston Zoo and Taipei Zoo.
Live Animal Cargo Standards
EVA Air followed strict operational and safety standards during the transport. The airline is one of a limited number of airlines worldwide with four International Air Transport Association Center of Excellence for Independent Validators certifications: CEIV Pharma, CEIV Lithium Batteries, CEIV Fresh and CEIV Live Animals.
The airline applied its established live-animal transportation procedures to Harris’ journey, supporting safe and consistent handling at every stage.
