Since its creation in 2020, almost 10,000 mammals have passed through Centre. Not to mention countless insects, fish and birds.
The Animal Care & Inpection Centre (ACIC) at Brussels Airport was the first in Europe to meet new European standards for animal welfare in air transport.
Over the five past years, the centre has welcomed almost 5,500 dogs, 800 cats, 1,600 horses, alongside a whole range of farm animals and even exotic animals. Adding up to a total of almost 10,000 mammals. And that's not counting all the fish, reptiles, birds and insects that also pass through the ACIC.
Designed to ensure that animals are transported in safe and stress-free conditions, the ACIC boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including physically separate import/export areas, a veterinary laboratory, mobile stables and specially adapted rest areas.
Each accommodation area has natural light and is equipped with a unique centralised system for adjusting light, temperature and ventilation according to the specific needs of each species
The centre has 11 horse stables, multifunctional areas for inspections, and even a refrigerated room set aside for insects. There is also an outdoor lawn area for our four-legged friends. Since 2022, the centre has been IATA CEIV Live Animals certified, a guarantee of quality and compliance with international standards.
Hippos, snow leopards, hammerhead sharks...
While the ACIC takes great care with each animal, some experiences stand out for the centre's teams. Highlights over the past five years include handling hippos, snow leopards and hammerhead sharks, as well as welcoming 489 alpacas in one go. More recently, the ACIC has also played a key role during the departure of the three pandas Tian Bao, Bao Di and Bao Mei to China, as well as the arrival of three golden snub-nosed monkeys, Lu Lu, Juan Juan and Liu Yun for the Pairi Daiza animal park.