The African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) has long been on the front lines, working with wildlife authorities, airport officials, and law enforcement to detect, deter, and prosecute wildlife crime. Since 2014, AWF has supported these efforts with dog units trained to detect contraband at airports. Since their deployment, there has been a 78% drop in illegally trafficked wildlife and wildlife products.

Now, a powerful and experienced new partner has strengthened AWF’s efforts: British Airways. Through its BA Better World sustainability and other initiatives, BA has funded anti-trafficking programs in Africa for nearly a decade. It is now expanding its commitment by aligning with AWF to level up Counter Wildlife Trafficking efforts at Nairobi International Airport—one of Africa’s busiest trafficking hubs and one of twelve destinations served by BA.

With the airline’s support, ten rangers with the Kenya Wildlife service have been trained, along with two Belgian Malinois dogs, Gio and Zac. They are now intercepting traffickers and gathering/helping to gather the evidence needed to hold them accountable.

These combined efforts have already led to stronger safeguards, more arrests, and meaningful progress for Africa’s iconic species. BA’s anti-trafficking commitment runs deep: as a signatory to both the United for Wildlife Transport Taskforce Declaration and the Buckingham Palace Declaration—a global initiative founded by Prince William and The Royal Foundation—BA is setting the standard for the aviation industry in the fight against wildlife crime.