EgyptAir has said it transported six hippopotamuses from South Africa to China in a unique shipment, a statement by the national airliner said on Saturday.

EgyptAir’s cargo division said it flew a shipment of three pallets weighing 6,600kg, with each pallet carrying two hippos.

The shipment flew from Johannesburg to Beijing via Cairo International Airport, on board EgyptAir’s 840 and 95 flights.

“EgyptAir has succeeded in providing all means which ensure the safety of the animals’ transport despite the shipment being one of a special nature,” the statement concluded.