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Duchess Sophie's African Safari: Elephants, Lions & Anti-Poaching
17 Sep
Summary
- Duchess Sophie witnessed elephants swimming and filmed lionesses with cubs.
- She met specialist dogs trained to detect weapons and wildlife products.
- A women-only ranger unit has removed over 200 snares this year.

The Duchess of Edinburgh recently visited Zambia, experiencing the natural beauty of the Zambezi river and its wildlife. During her tour, she witnessed elephants swimming and filmed lionesses and cubs as the sun set over the African landscape. This immersive experience allowed her to see animals in their natural habitat, an encounter she had previously missed.
Her visit also focused on conservation initiatives within Lower Zambezi National Park. She met with rangers and learned about innovative anti-poaching strategies, including specialized dogs trained to detect weapons and pangolin scales. These canine units are proving to be a significant deterrent to poachers.
Furthermore, the Duchess engaged with the Kufadza Female Scouts, a women-only ranger unit that has made substantial contributions by removing more than 200 snares this year. Their work underscores the critical role women play in combating wildlife crime and protecting endangered species from illegal activities.