Emirates SkyCargo, cargo transportation division of Emirates
airline, has flown two specialist conservation dogs to Zimbabwe to help rangers
track and combat wildlife poaching at Matusadona National Park. The dogs form
the park’s first specialist conservation K9 team.
Vega and Kuda, Belgian Malinois dogs, were transported
from London to Harare via Dubai in partnership with UK charity Dogs 4 Wildlife.
They have safely settled into their new environment and are now undergoing
advanced training alongside park rangers, a press release said.
In just over a month, Vega and Kuda have completed more
than 185 hours of practical training with six specialist handlers, including
over 60 human-scent tracking exercises. Their performance has already
demonstrated their ability to track suspected poaching activity.
The program has also introduced welfare guidelines and
Standard Operating Procedures to ensure the K9 unit can operate effectively and
sustainably.
Emirates SkyCargo maintains a zero-tolerance policy on
illegal wildlife trafficking. The carrier has banned the transportation of
hunting trophies and trained its frontline teams worldwide to identify and
respond to potential wildlife trafficking risks.
Emirates is also a founding signatory of the Buckingham
Palace Declaration and works with United for Wildlife to help combat global
wildlife trafficking.
