On Monday, May 11, Princess Charlene, accompanied by her brother Gareth Wittstock, took part in the release of a Red-footed Falcon at the Calern Plateau Astronomical Observatory in the commune of Caussols, located in the Alpes-Maritimes department.
The rare bird of prey had suffered severe injuries, a fractured wing and electrocution. Such cases often lead to euthanasia, yet the falcon was saved thanks to the remarkable work of the wildlife care centre Association Instinct Animal-SOS Faune Sauvage, led by Lucie Contet and Laura Bailo.
After more than eight months of intensive treatment and rehabilitation, combined with innovative medical techniques, the migratory bird, which travels between Asia and South Africa, regained its freedom and was able to rejoin its species during the migration period.
Deeply committed to animal welfare, notably through the SPA Refuge de Monaco, of which she is president, Princess Charlene also chose to become patron of the association. In her speech, the Princess praised the essential work carried out every day by the carers and volunteers dedicated to protecting wildlife.
Following the release ceremony, Princess Charlene visited the Instinct Animal-SOS Faune Sauvage care centre in Saint-Cézaire-sur-Siagne. Opened on June 30, 2025, this unique facility in the Alpes-Maritimes has already taken in nearly 2,000 distressed wild animals.
In addition to the Alpes-Maritimes, the centre also cares for animals from neighbouring departments, including the Var, Alpes-de-Haute-Provence and Hautes-Alpes.
Operating through public subsidies, private donations and corporate sponsorship, the centre relies year-round on a team of around six employees working seven days a week in service of wildlife protection.
