Emirates SkyCargo has announced a partnership with Dogs 4 Wildlife, a UK-based charity that trains and deploys specialist conservation dogs across Africa to combat poaching and protect endangered species.
The first two animals under the agreement, Vega and Kuda, are Belgian Malinois selected for their human scent tracking abilities. Both were trained by Dogs 4 Wildlife and will form the core of a new K9 conservation unit in Zimbabwe. They are scheduled to fly from London to Harare via Dubai in late June, after which they will be stationed at Matusadona National Park.
“Protecting 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, across conservation initiatives. These animals will play a vital role in protecting endangered species and strengthening conservation efforts on the ground. This partnership reflects Emirates SkyCargo’s broader commitment to combatting illegal wildlife trade and supporting organisations that are creating meaningful impact for wildlife and global communities,” Badr Abbas, Divisional Senior Vice President, Emirates SkyCargo said in a statement.
“We are incredibly proud to be partnering with Emirates SkyCargo on this important initiative. The deployment of conservation dogs such as Vega and Kuda represents far more than the transportation of two animals; it represents the movement of specialist conservation capability that will directly support wildlife rangers working on the front line of wildlife protection.
“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 to safeguard wildlife every day. Having the support of a global organisation such as Emirates enables us to expand that impact and deliver proven conservation tools to the areas where they are needed most. This partnership demonstrates what can be achieved when organisations from different sectors come together with a shared commitment to protecting wildlife for future generations,” Darren Priddle, Founder and Volunteer Trustee, Dogs 4 Wildlife added.
The announcement was timed to coincide with the United for Wildlife High-Level Business Forum in London, which marks the 10th anniversary of the Buckingham Palace Declaration on illegal wildlife trafficking. Emirates has been a founding signatory of that declaration since its launch.
The airline said it maintains a zero-tolerance policy on the illegal wildlife trade, including a ban on transporting hunting trophies through its cargo operations. Since launching its illegal wildlife trade awareness programme, Emirates has trained more than 46,000 employees to identify, report, and respond to potential trafficking risks. The carrier has also achieved IATA’s Environmental Assessment certification, which includes a dedicated wildlife module.
