The illegal wildlife trade has brought many of our planet's most majestic animals to the brink of extinction. It is unthinkable that a generation from now, there may be no more rhinos, elephants or tigers to be found in the wild.

The need for action is urgent, and both the demand and supply side of the illegal wildlife trade has to be tackled. Through their global brand footprint, UAE's national airline 'Emirates' is helping drive consumer awareness and interest in the issue by it's unique way.

"Emirates" has landed a prime location to promote its ongoing fight against the illegal wildlife trade.The airline yesterday unveiled its fifth A380 emblazoned with special livery in support of United for Wildlife – an alliance between seven of the world's most influential conservation organisations and The Royal Foundation of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry.

Unlike its four jet-powered siblings, this latest Emirates United for Wildlife A380 aircraft is featured in situ, at the traffic roundabout leading to London Heathrow airport – a highly visible site that reaches millions of international travelers and their families and friends.

One of the largest known aircraft models in the world, the Emirates A380 model at London Heathrow's roundabout is built to an exact 1:3 scale of a real A380 aircraft. Weighing more than 45 tonnes, the model is the same size as a real Boeing 737.

Over the past six months, Emirates has literally taken its message against the illegal wildlife trade to the skies and across the world. Since November, the airline's four eye-catching "United for Wildlife" A380 aircraft have flown more than 4.2 million kilometres on ore than 800 flights in 34 cities around the world.

The idea of the campaign is to spread awareness by getting people to discuss the issue on social media. The airline hopes it will lead to more people turning their backs on products made from endangered species.

As the world's largest international airline, Emirates is trying to  make a difference to help break the supply chain of illegal wildlife trade.

As well as awareness campaigns, Emirates is collaborating with international organisations to train and better equip its ground and cargo staff to detect and deal with illegal wildlife products in transit. As the required paperwork for movement of some wildlife products is often forged, Emirates also made the decision to ban trophy shipments.

Pl watch this informative video by Emirates:

https://youtu.be/-Au787yuvso

Let's say NO to wild life trade, let's say NO to buy, sell or use anything made out of animal abuse.

Source : 7 days