Prince William has spoken out following a tragic incident in northern Mozambique that claimed the lives of two wildlife rangers.
In a heartfelt personal statement released on Wednesday, the Prince of Wales honored the fallen scouts and reflected on the growing dangers faced by conservation workers.
“This attack is yet another brutal reminder of the immense sacrifices made by those protecting our natural world,” William wrote. “The reality is that being a ranger has become one of the most dangerous jobs on the planet. My thoughts are with all those affected and their families. W.”
The statement comes in response to the April 29 attack by an insurgent group in Mozambique’s Niassa Special Reserve. According to local reports, two anti-poaching scouts were killed, two others are missing, and one ranger was left severely wounded.
The Niassa Carnivore Project, a conservation organization dedicated to protecting lions and their prey within the reserve, confirmed the attack and shared details of the tragic event. The group works to promote coexistence and mutual respect between people, wildlife, and the environment.
Prince William has long championed anti-poaching efforts and ranger protection. As far back as 2012, he was vocal about the urgent need to safeguard endangered species and those working to protect them.
“Along with elephants, they’re [alongside rhinos] two of the most heavily poached animals currently in the world. If we don’t do something about them it’s going to be a tragic loss for everyone,” he said at the time.
As a patron of the Tusk Trust, William helped launch the Tusk Conservation Awards in 2013, which honor extraordinary individuals working on the frontlines of conservation across Africa—many of them rangers facing daily danger.
His latest message continues to underscore his deep commitment to wildlife conservation and the people risking their lives to defend it.
