A series of never-before-seen photographs have been released documenting Prince Harry's work in Africa over the summer. The royal - who has provided captions for the images - spent a total of three weeks in Malawi working on the frontline alongside volunteers, vets and experts on one of the largest and most significant elephant translocations in conservation history.
Prince Harry spent four weeks helping to relocate 261 elephants across Malawi
He was there to help in the first phase of the African Parks' initiative, 500 Elephants, which involves moving the huge animals over 350km across Malawi. Harry assisted with the relocation of 261 elephants, now homed in Nkhotakota; the remaining 239 elephants will be moved in the summer of 2017.
The Prince also assisted with translocating a male rhino, a host of game species including antelope, buffalo, and zebra, and he facilitated in re-collaring three lions in Majete with GPS collars to monitor and better protect them.
The royal was taking part in the first phase of the 500 Elephants initiative
"There has to be a balance between the numbers of animals, and the available habitat. Just how nature intended it," the 32-year-old said of the project. "In this case, African Parks, in partnership with the Malawian government, have re-established a safe area for elephants to be moved back to. This simultaneously relieves the pressure in Liwonde, and restocks Nkhotakota so both populations of elephants can continue to grow."
Peter Fearnhead, CEO of African Parks, said: "We are thrilled to have Prince Harry serve as an integral part of our translocation team. He has extensive field experience and was extremely comfortable with the animals, whether helping an anesthetized elephant to the ground and monitoring its breathing to affixing radio collars.
"He played a vital role in many aspects of this giant operation which requires not only all hands on deck, but a vigilance he exudes, and a commitment to the cause he embodies."