Prince William launches world-first wildlife scheme after brutal ‘assassination’ – Click to read more

During a speech in Cape Town today, Prince William launched a world-leading life insurance package for 10,000 park rangers in Africa following the killing of ranger Anton Mzimba at the hands of poachers

Prince William has launched a world-first scheme to protect park rangers in Africa after one was killed by poachers in front of his family.

The Prince of Wales has announced a world-leading life insurance package for 10,000 park rangers in Africa and also paid tribute to Anton Mzimba, an ‘incorruptible park ranger in South Africa who worked for two decades protecting wildlife before he was tragically gunned down in 2022 by poachers in front of his wife and child.

His death sparked outrage around the world, prompting William to make a significant private donation to support Mzimba’s vast family. He had two wives and 11 children to support.

William’s announcement came 24 hours after the tragic killing of another ranger, Pte Olara Jonathan, who was fatally shot by armed poachers while on patrol in the Karenga Community Wildlife Area in Uganda.

Highlighting the global climate emergency as well as the risk to wildlife around the world, William said during his speech in Cape Town: “What happens over the next five years, especially in relation to stopping the illegal wildlife trade, is crucial for the future of life on Earth.

“The urgency is palpable, as entire parts of the species chain are being removed. We can create a future where people and nature flourish. A future where the illegal wildlife trade is a thing of the past, and our natural world is protected. Anton was assassinated for doing his job, protecting the incredible biodiversity of this country. We cannot protect our planet without a well-supported workforce.”

William also issued a stark warning for the global climate emergency, saying “our planet’s natural systems are rapidly approaching an irreversible tipping point”. He added: “South Africa is a country of immense natural beauty and remarkable biodiversity. It is also a country that plays a crucial role in the global conservation effort.

“Unfortunately, the troubling reality that we face is that our planet’s natural systems are rapidly approaching an irreversible tipping point, driven by unprecedented nature loss and climate change. Since 1970, we have witnessed a staggering 73% decline in the average size of global wildlife populations. That figure alone highlights the fragility of our ecosystems and the urgency of our mission.”

Launched by The Royal Foundation’s United for Wildlife programme together with Tusk Trust and the Game Ranger Association of Africa, the package is the first such sustained multi-year initiative to be rolled out across Africa. The five-year plan will provide 10,000 rangers with access to appropriate, affordable in-service and medical evacuation insurance cover, together with opportunities for training and leadership development.

Every day, tens of thousands of rangers across the continent of Africa manage large areas of land and water, safeguarding some of the planet’s most iconic species and landscapes – while often putting their own lives at risk. His speech comes after William earlier met with the son of the late Australian conservationist Steve Irwin, who said the prince is “leading with a sense of positivity” by creating his Earthshot Prize awards.

Robert Irwin, who has followed in his father’s footsteps by becoming one of the world’s most recognisable environmentalists, told how William’s environmental project was bringing hope to the next generation. William joined Robert, who runs the world-famous Australia Zoo, and park rangers along a sun-drenched scenic walk in the shadow of the iconic Table Mountain to admire the beauty and biodiversity of Cape Town.

The bearded royal – sporting a beaded bracelet with the word ‘Papa’ handmade by his nine-year-old daughter Charlotte – met park rangers at the landmark Signal Hill, part of the national park, recognised as one of the world’s most remarkable natural attractions. Robert, who is also an Earthshot Prize Global Ambassador, said of his meeting with the prince: “You can instantly tell that passion the rangers and volunteers have here on the ground here at Signal Hill rubs off on everyone.

“You just can’t help but fall in love with this place. Prince William, myself and everyone here have certainly fallen in love with Cape Town. It’s a beautiful location and the conservation work is being done here, it just fills my heart with hope.”

While Robert urged William to hold the next Earthshot Awards Down Under, the two posed for a selfie video where the prince revealed his children regularly quiz him about his love of African wildlife and told how his favorite animal is a cheetah, the world’s fastest land animal. Afterwards, Robert added: “I really loved having a conversation with Prince William about the importance of support for rangers.

“They are on the front line of conservation and you have to remember that these days conservation can be a dangerous business. And it’s really nice to know that Prince William is ensuring rangers are valued and they get the resources and the support they need. Very encouraging steps in the right direction. It’s great that William is putting himself behind this. Protecting the environment is about protecting people too.”

Referring to the prince’s Earthshot Prize he said: “I think Prince William’s idea behind Earthshot is fantastic. For the first time we have an environmental movement on a scale we have never seen before.

“And it’s putting money where it is needed most and leading with a sense of positivity. It’s the beacon, it’s this light we can all strive towards. We can absolutely address the big issues we are facing globally but we are also rewarding the innovations and celebrating the great work being done. And it makes a very hopeful atmosphere that young people can grow up in.”

Earlier today, William also had a meeting with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, where the pair discussed, along with Foreign Secretary David Lammy, the importance of a bilateral relationship between the two countries.