Emirates has partnered with charity United for Wildlife to launch a series of amenity kits highlighting eight of the most endangered species on the planet.
Amenity kits are now offered to premium economy and economy class customers on long-haul flights around the world.
According to Emirates, the animals featured on the bags are some of the most trafficked creatures in the world. These include the green sea turtle, African elephant, blue macaw, gorilla, hammerhead shark, lion, pangolin and black rhinoceros.
The wildlife kit bags are reusable and made from washable Kraft paper, with personalized animal art printed with non-toxic soy-based ink.
The content includes “durable travel essentials” made with materials that reduce the use of virgin plastic. For example, a toothbrush is made from a combination of wheat straw and plastic, and socks and glasses are made from recycled plastic: rPET (recycled polyethylene terephthalate).
Due to popular customer requests, Emirates will also gradually re-include earplugs in amenity kits by the end of the year.
United for Wildlife was founded by Prince William and the Royal Foundation in 2014 to protect endangered species from the illegal wildlife trade.
The charity shared some statistics to highlight the urgent issue. Globally, 100 elephants are poached daily, meaning elephants could become extinct in the wild by 2025 at current poaching rates.
Furthermore, there are now only 30,000 rhinos left in the wild, compared to 500,000 at the beginning of the 20th century.
David Fein, co-president of United for Wildlife, said:
“The illegal wildlife trade is an international organized crime that is driving many iconic species around the world towards extinction at an alarming rate. Airlines and other transport operators have a huge role to play in disrupting traffickers’ supply chains.
“Emirates has consistently demonstrated leadership and commitment in addressing this global threat. “We are delighted to see Emirates’ new amenity kits now on board and hope passengers find them informative and inspiring.”
Gulf Airlines is a member of the United Wildlife Transport Task Force and has zero tolerance towards illegal trade in wildlife and wildlife products.
Its cargo transport arm, Emirates SkyCargo, has implemented a complete ban on trophy hunting of elephants, rhinos, lions and tigers.
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