Inside Princess Charlene of Monaco’s mission to Africa: Photos

The royal mom of two traveled to Africa for a wildlife conservation mission

MAY 20, 2021 6:34 PM EDTMAY 20, 2021, 6:34 PM EDT

Princess Charlene of Monaco has returned to her homeland of Africa for a special reason. The former Olympic swimmer is currently on a wildlife conservation mission. The Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation South Africa shared photos from the royal’s trip, which includes rhino conservation work.

Addressing the rhino crisis in a statement, Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella ’s mother said: “This crisis has stolen almost 10 000 African rhinos from our beautiful earth.” She continued, “If we are to save these incredible animals from extinction, we have to do something. We cannot afford to lose anymore.”

Charlene, who is passionate about wildlife conservation in South Africa as well as fighting rhino poaching, was on hand as rangers darted rhinos from a helicopter and dehorned them. “Statistics show that South Africa’s rhino populations have fallen quite drastically. In the last ten years, poachers have relentlessly killed these rhinos, and they have not had time to recover. If we don’t act now, the rhino’s future in Africa is uncertain,” the Princess said.

Charlene added, “We have to protect our rhinos and their future by protecting and dehorning them, safely and as gently as possible. I’m passionate about playing a role in saving the rhino and championing their cause.”

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Prince Albert’s wife traveled to Africa as part of a wildlife conservation mission, including essential rhino conservation work.

Princess Charlene travels to Afica for wildlife conservation mission

According to the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation South Africa, “The rhino poaching crisis began in 2008, and thousands of African rhinos were killed for their horn. Since 2015, poaching numbers have decreased, but a rhino is still killed for its horn every 22 hours in South Africa!”

The royal mom of two is involved with various organizations worldwide and is the co-patron of The Giving Organisation Trust.

Princess Charlene of Monaco wildlife conservation

Per the Princess’ foundation, dehorning is a method of rhino conservation that is used to prevent poachers from killing rhinos for their horn.

The Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation South Africa noted that “dehorning reduces the risk of poaching and increases a rhino’s chance of surviving.”

The royal, who was born in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, Africa, was pictured caressing a rhino while on her mission.

Sharing this photo on her personal Instagram account, Princess Charlene added the hashtags: “#stoprhinopoaching #savetherhino #rhinoconservation #endangeredspecies #wildlifeconservation.”