Posted on June, 30 2015

A new film by WWF global ambassador Andy Murray and The Championships, Wimbledon, highlights the role of sniffer dogs in the fight against poaching and the illegal wildlife trade.
 
The short film, narrated by Sir John Hurt, explains that being a sniffer dog takes talent, commitment and skill – just like being a tennis champion. Launched for the world’s oldest tennis tournament, the film encourages people to support Andy’s passion for wildlife as the globe goes wild for the iconic sporting event over the next two weeks.
 
WWF global ambassador Andy Murray said: “Sniffer dogs do an incredible job whether it’s keeping us safe and secure here at Wimbledon, or fighting wildlife crime in Nepal.  WWF’s conservation work supports these dedicated and talented animals and trainers to help protect some of the most iconic, yet threatened, species on our planet.  I’m really hoping that whilst I battle it out on the court – people will join the battle to help fight the global problem of wildlife crime.”
 
Since becoming a WWF global ambassador, Andy has been particularly passionate about raising awareness for WWF’s initiative in Nepal that supports the training and use of sniffer dogs to help track down, apprehend and deter poachers in and around Chitwan National Park. 
 
Elisabeth McLellan, head of WWF’s Wildlife Crime Initiative said: “Andy Murray’s support for our fight against poaching has been fantastic in raising both the crucial funds and awareness necessary to help tackle the illegal wildlife trade. WWF wishes Andy the best of luck on centre court. We trust that fans will not only show their support for his efforts on the court, but also his work with WWF when they ‘Go Wild for Wimbledon’ this summer.”