The number of giraffes remaining in Africa has dropped 40 per cent in the last 30 years, resulting in them being recognized as an endangered species
where Sylvia stayed. A boutique hotel set on 140 acres, it offers human interaction with its resident herd of wild Rothschild’s giraffes to raise awareness of the crisis facing giraffes. An estimated 100,000 giraffes remaining in Africa, a number which has dropped 40 per cent in the last 30 years, are being poached for reasons ranging from commercial bushmeat trade to pillow covers, placing them among wildlife’s endangered species. For Mantella, Giraffe Manor was a special experience. “It was so magical and powerful, as giraffes are the most exquisite animal with strong necks, beautiful eyes and eyelashes. And they walk with such finesse — every part of their anatomy has a purpose,” she says. “Here you are on the giraffe’s schedule: they show up to the manor at 6 a.m. and are gone by 7:30 a.m. They graze all day in the fields and return at about 5 p.m. for more plantbased food pellets and then they are gone. It was one of the most surreal experiences I’ve ever had.” East Africa proved to be transformational in Mantella’s big-picture thinking. “I walked away learning about the integrity of the land and how critical that is to conservation and about the human-animal conflict,” she says in reflecting
“THE MORE PEOPLE WHO CAN BE EDUCATED ABOUT THE REALITIES, THE MORE IT WILL EMPOWER CONSERVATION. IF WE DON’T DO SOMETHING, THERE WILL BE NOTHING LEFT IN 50 YEARS”
upon her trip. “I went there with my Westernized beliefs, and it’s just not that simple. To think we’re going to go there with a simple solution is just so arrogant because it’s so much more complicated than we understand or we know. The more people who can be educated about the realities, the more it will empower conservation. If we don’t do something, there will be nothing left in 50 years.” In her genuine and authentic manner, Mantella returns to her Florida animal sanctuary to implement her insight, perspective and learnings that will no doubt greatly enhance the work she is doing for wildlife conservation. She sees this as Part 1 of her personal journey. Her learnings will continue as she returns to Africa in October. “I’m still on my journey,” says Mantella. “I don’t have all the answers yet, but I’m getting there. There is no easy answer, but that doesn’t mean we should give up. I just want to learn and know more.” www.grumetifund.org www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org www.thesafaricollection.com/properties/giraffe-manor @sylviamantella | @oljogi
49 SPRING 2019
www.dolcemag.com | DOLCE MAGAZINE
