Prince William has expressed his profound sadness following a deadly attack at Upemba National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The incident, which occurred earlier this week, resulted in the deaths of five park staff members, highlighting the growing dangers faced by those working to protect wildlife and conservation areas globally.
The Prince of Wales released a statement on Friday, March 6, 2026, acknowledging the tragic loss. “I am truly saddened to hear of the tragic loss of life at Upemba National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo, following an armed raid of the park earlier this week,” he said. He further emphasized the bravery of those on the frontlines of conservation, stating, “Environmental protection has grow one of the most dangerous jobs on the planet and the bravery of those on the frontline of conservation must never be forgotten.” His thoughts are with the families and friends of the staff who lost their lives defending the natural world.
The attack took place on Tuesday, March 3, when armed assailants raided the park’s headquarters in Lusinga, Katanga province, according to the Congolese Institute for the Conservation of Nature (ICCN). The ICCN reported that the assailants looted equipment and caused significant damage to infrastructure. The organization condemned the attack as a “flagrant violation” of both national law and international conventions designed to protect natural areas.
Upemba National Park, established in 1939, is a crucial conservation area in the DRC. Once home to a diverse range of species including black rhinos, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, and lions, many of these populations have been significantly reduced over time. The recent attack underscores the increasing risks faced by rangers and environmental defenders worldwide, a topic Prince William has consistently championed.
Growing Concerns for Conservation Workers
The incident at Upemba National Park is a stark reminder of the dangers inherent in conservation work. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the IUCN World Commission on Protected Areas (WCPA) also released a statement, noting that rangers and protected area staff are increasingly at risk although working to conserve biodiversity and protect vital ecosystems.
Prince William has been a vocal advocate for these individuals, most recently through his involvement in the docuseries “Guardians,” released in May 2025. The six-part series aimed to highlight the critical, often unseen work of wildlife rangers across the globe, bringing attention to the risks they face daily. He explained that the series was created to “educate, showcase, highlight, spotlight the brilliant men and women who are on the forefront and frontline of conservation around the world.”
Recent Efforts to Highlight Ranger Safety
The Prince’s dedication to raising awareness about the dangers faced by conservation workers is evident in his work with the BBC on the “Guardians” docuseries. The series offered exclusive access to the lives of these environmental defenders, showcasing the challenges and risks they encounter while protecting biodiversity.
The attack at Upemba National Park follows a pattern of increasing threats to conservation efforts in the region. While the identity of the assailants remains unconfirmed, reports indicate the involvement of MayiMayi militia fighters, who reportedly stormed the park headquarters, stealing equipment and damaging infrastructure.
The ICCN has not yet released details regarding the ongoing investigation into the attack. However, the incident serves as a critical reminder of the need for increased security measures and support for those working to protect the Democratic Republic of Congo’s valuable natural resources.
As conservation efforts continue in the face of increasing threats, the international community is urged to recognize the sacrifices made by park rangers and to provide them with the resources and support they need to continue their vital work. The future of Upemba National Park, and countless other protected areas around the world, depends on it.
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