Prince William hails remarkable global operation for wildlife preservation

Prince William is celebrating an “unprecedented feat” in combating global illegal wildlife transport and trade.

The international law enforcement operation saw the return of hundreds of animals including ring-tailed lemurs (Lemur catta), common brown lemurs (Eulemur fulvus), Spider tortoise (Pyxis arachnoides), and radiated tortoises (Astrochelys radiata) to their habitat in Madagascar. The animals were being smuggled through Thailand for illegal pet trade.

Arrests were made in both Madagascar and Thailand in relation to the trafficking of wildlife for illegal pet trade.

The remarkable operation was a joint effort of authorities in Thailand, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Wildlife Justice Commission, while William and The Royal Foundation's United for Wildlife arranged transport for the animals back to Madagascar.

The Prince of Wales released a statement hailing the international operation. William said: “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 organizations.”