Emirates SkyCargo partners with Dogs 4 Wildlife to fight poaching | News
Emirates SkyCargo has partnered with Dogs 4 Wildlife, a British charity that protects endangered wildlife in Africa through the use of specialist conservation dogs.
In the first phase of the partnership, Emirates SkyCargo will transport dogs from Britain to southern Africa, where they will work with wildlife park rangers to track poachers and strengthen conservation efforts.
The first two dogs, Vega and Kuda, both Belgian Malinois, are specialist human scent-detection dogs trained by Dogs 4 Wildlife for conservation operations. Selected for their exceptional drive, determination and natural tracking ability, Vega and Kuda will help form a new conservation K9 unit to support wildlife conservation efforts in Zimbabwe.
The dogs will travel from London to Harare via Dubai at the end of June and will be deployed to Zimbabwe’s Matusadona National Park on arrival.
Welfare-focused animal transport services Emirates SkyCargo, Emirates’ air freight division, transports cargo for companies within Emirates’ global network. Through its specialized live animal transport services, the airline offers reliable and welfare-oriented animal transport. This is supported by special processing processes, purpose-built facilities and trained experts in the global network.
Badr Abbas, Divisional Senior Vice President of Emirates SkyCargo, said: “Conserving wildlife is a shared responsibility that requires collaboration, innovation and long-term commitment. Through our partnership with Dogs 4 Wildlife, we are proud to support the deployment of highly trained conservation dogs, such as Vega and Kuda, in conservation initiatives. These animals will play a crucial role in protecting endangered species and strengthening conservation efforts on the ground. This partnership reflects the broader commitment of Emirates SkyCargo to combat illegal wildlife trafficking and support organizations committed to conservation create meaningful impact for wildlife and global communities.”
Darren Priddle, Founder and Volunteer Trustee, Dogs 4 Wildlife, said: “We are incredibly proud to be working with Emirates SkyCargo on this important initiative. The deployment of conservation dogs like Vega and Kuda represents much more than the transport of two animals; it represents the movement of specialist conservation capabilities that will directly support wildlife rangers working on the frontline of conservation.
“At Dogs 4 Wildlife, our mission is to protect endangered species by providing highly trained conservation dogs and supporting the dedicated people who work tirelessly every day to protect wildlife. With the support of a global organization like Emirates, we can extend that impact and deliver proven conservation tools to the areas where they are needed most. This partnership shows what can be achieved when organizations from different sectors come together with a shared commitment to protecting wildlife for generations to come.”
A commitment to the protection of wildlife
The partnership between Emirates SkyCargo and Dogs 4 Wildlife is closely aligned with Emirates’ long-standing commitment to the protection of wildlife. The airline has a zero-tolerance policy towards the illegal wildlife trade, including Emirates SkyCargo’s ban on the carriage of hunting trophies. Emirates SkyCargo also implements robust screening processes and works closely with industry partners, government agencies and conservation organizations to help prevent the movement of illegal wildlife products through global supply chains. Since launching its wildlife trade awareness programme, Emirates has trained more than 46,000 employees across the company, enabling frontline teams to identify, report and respond to potential wildlife trade risks. Emirates has also achieved IATA’s Environmental Assessment (IEnvA) certification, which includes a dedicated wildlife module aligned with the Buckingham Palace Declaration.
The announcement comes as the industry and conservation community celebrate the tenth anniversary of the Buckingham Palace Declaration and gather for the United for Wildlife High-Level Business Forum in London, highlighting the importance of cross-sector collaboration in tackling the illegal wildlife trade and protecting endangered species for future generations. Emirates has been involved with United for Wildlife since signing the declaration and continues to contribute to industry-wide efforts to combat wildlife trafficking.
