Emirates SkyCargo has partnered with UK-based charity Dogs 4 Wildlife to support wildlife protection efforts in Africa through the deployment of specialist conservation dogs.

Under the first phase of the partnership, Emirates SkyCargo will transport trained conservation dogs from the UK to Southern Africa, where they will work alongside wildlife park rangers to track poachers and strengthen anti-poaching operations.

The first two dogs, Vega and Kuda, both Belgian Malinois, are specialist human scent-tracking dogs trained by Dogs 4 Wildlife for conservation work. Selected for their tracking abilities and operational skills, the dogs will form part of a new conservation K9 unit supporting wildlife protection initiatives in Zimbabwe.

Vega and Kuda are scheduled to travel from London to Harare via Dubai in late June before being deployed at Zimbabwe’s Matusadona National Park.

Emirates SkyCargo, the air freight division of Emirates, provides specialised live animal transportation services supported by dedicated handling procedures, purpose-built facilities and trained personnel across its global network.

“Protecting wildlife is a shared responsibility that requires collaboration, innovation, and long-term commitment,” said Emirates SkyCargo Divisional Senior Vice President Badr Abbas. “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.”

Darren Priddle, Founder and Volunteer Trustee of Dogs 4 Wildlife, said the partnership would help expand the charity’s ability to provide conservation tools to areas where they are most needed.

“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,” he said.

The partnership aligns with Emirates SkyCargo’s wider commitment to combating illegal wildlife trade. The airline maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards the transportation of illicit wildlife products, including a ban on hunting trophies, while working with industry partners, government authorities and conservation organisations to prevent wildlife trafficking through global supply chains.

Since launching its illegal wildlife trade awareness programme, Emirates has trained more than 46,000 employees to identify, report and respond to potential wildlife trafficking risks. The airline has also achieved the International Air Transport Association’s Environmental Assessment (IEnvA) certification, which includes a wildlife module aligned with the Buckingham Palace Declaration.

The announcement coincides with the 10th anniversary of the Buckingham Palace Declaration and the United for Wildlife High-Level Business Forum in London, highlighting the role of cross-sector partnerships in protecting endangered species and tackling illegal wildlife trade.