Prince Harry Debuts Full Beard While Working With African Wildlife 

Prince Harry is getting in touch with his wild side – and the results couldn’t be for a better cause.

The British royal sported a full beard during a recent volunteer visit to South Africa’s Khulula Care For Wild. The African Conservation Experience Tweeted a photo on Wednesday of Harry and staff members smiling with two of the center’s special residents.

HRH #PrinceHarry visited Khulula CareForWild to learn about rhino conservation! http://t.co/sSj0RWQY1Q pic.twitter.com/S0ZhxikI8M

— AfricanConservation (@AfricanConsExp) August 12, 2015

Harry’s new scruff reflects the more important things on his schedule these days than shaving.

PHOTOS: Celebs Who Give Back

The 30-year-old has been in Africa since June, aiding conservation efforts to preserve endangered species throughout the continent. The Khulula facility provides shelter and rehabilitation care to orphaned black rhinos whose parents were killed by poachers. It’s the most recent stop on the prince’s three-month tour, in which he’s gaining firsthand knowledge of Africa’s illegal wildlife trade and how it’s affecting local communities and their diverse ecosystems.

Harry told UK newspaper the Sunday Times in May that the educational trip is an ideal follow-up to his 10-year service in the British military.

PHOTOS: Taking The Throne: Renowned Royals

“To actually get the chance to embed myself with the top vet in southern Africa, travel with him for three weeks and every job he gets called up to do. That’s like my dream,” he said of shadowing renowned veterinarian and Zimbabwe native Dr. Pete Morkel.

Prince Harry’s work has taken him to Botswana, Namibia, Tanzania and South Africa. He’s expected to return to England in the fall.

— Erin Biglow