Quote from St. James's Palace on behalf of The Duke of Cambridge regarding poaching

The Lewa Wildlife Conservancy in Kenya, where The Duke of Cambridge spent some time on his gap year, suffered a recent loss of five rhinos to poachers.

Many experts highlight that Africa’s rhinos are facing the worst poaching crisis in decades, with the most serious poaching upsurges in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Kenya. The Lewa Wildlife Conservancy is not immune to this crisis and has lost 11 rhinos in the last three years.

A St. James’s Palace Spokesman said: “Species conservation is something The Duke feels passionate about. He has been keeping a close eye on the poaching crisis, particularly involving Africa’s rhinoceros and elephants, and is alarmed by the increase in the numbers being illegally killed.

Through his Patronage of Tusk and support of other conservation charities, The Duke will continue to take a close interest in the CITES process and use his position to highlight the need to harmonise the conservation of Africa’s wildlife with the needs of human beings.”

“The Duke is concerned that action must be taken now to stem the tide before it is too late and these magnificent creatures become lost to the wild forever.”