Prince William has issued a passionate new statement regarding an "unprecedented feat" in the fight against illegal wildlife trade.
Nearly 1,000 endangered tortoises and lemurs have been successfully returned to Madagascar in one of the world's largest wildlife repatriation efforts.
The animals arrived safely following their seizure from wildlife traffickers in Thailand earlier this year.
The seizure was part of an international law enforcement operation targeting wildlife trafficking through Thailand.
Prince William has issued a passionate new statement regarding an "unprecedented feat" in the fight against illegal wildlife trade.
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The endangered animals were destined for sale in the international illegal pet trade before authorities intervened.
The operation was coordinated by Thai authorities with support from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, US Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Wildlife Justice Commission.
The joint effort led to arrests in both Thailand and Madagascar.
The Royal Foundation's United for Wildlife programme played a crucial role by mobilising its Transport Taskforce members.
The Royal Foundation's United for Wildlife programme played a crucial role by mobilising its Transport Taskforce members.
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Prince William said regarding the achievement: "This is an unprecedented feat for the fight against the illegal wildlife trade and demonstrates the immeasurable value of global cooperation in putting an end to these supply chains.
"Movements like this are only possible thanks to the work of United for Wildlife’s incredible partner organisations.
"We must look to this collaborative model for future operations to ensure we are acting swiftly and safely to remove animals from the hands of criminals and return them to their natural habitats."
Qatar Airways Cargo and Airlink stepped forward to provide free transport, enabling the animals' return to Madagascar.
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The final shipment of animals reached Madagascar on December 12, marking the completion of this complex operation.
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The final shipment of animals reached Madagascar on December 12, marking the completion of this complex operation.
The animals will undergo assessment and rehabilitation before being released back into their appropriate natural environment.
Ghada Fathi Waly, Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime hailed the achievement.
He said: "I’m proud of UNODC’s contribution to this operation, including supporting the repatriation process. The nature of the operation highlights the importance of collaboration with the private sector, civil society, and international partners to combat wildlife crime, and I hope this success helps inform future efforts to tackle the illegal wildlife trade."
