I read 4 articles in the sidebar and I’m still unclear about what exactly is the underlying issue compelling the move. Apparently, they have been arguing about it so long that it (the underlying reason) is known by everyone (except for the general reader, who doesn’t count) and it is not worth repeating any more. Very Canadian.
BTW, Bob Barker, yes, that Bob Barker, apparently is ponying up nearly $900K to pay for the move. So it seems this issue isn’t so much about money; it’s about coming up with a large enough pressurized aircraft.
You can continue the discussion about having the RCAF do it (in a C-130 or C-17) (national pride & all that) or ...
You can be practical and just call the Russians (or Ukrainians) to supply an An-12 or IL-76 to do the move. Three elephants (say 8k lbs each) in crates ( say 4k lbs each) are well within the capability of either of the Russian aircraft (An-12: 44k lbs; IL-76: 100k lbs). The Russians would probably be glad to add elephants to the logbook of all the strange sh..er...stuff they have flown over the years.
Might even give a discount if multiple trips are involved and they can fill the deadhead legs.