Page 15 - IFV_Issue 5_May_2022

and the majority of comments we have these animals in a different light and change, is over. Our natural world can
received from these viewers are along where a connection can be built.” only be saved if everyone comes together
the lines of ‘I once hated snakes now to make the difference that only we, as a
I respect them’ or ‘I once thought the 3. COLLABORATION collective, can make.”
only good snake was a dead one, but Dingo understands that no real Through his ongoing wildlife videos,
now I save them and don’t kill them’. impact can be made in conservation talks and demonstrations, Dingo is
This is what we’re looking to achieve – without drawing on the existing pool of seeing results, but feels that so much
converting the unconverted. There’s no knowledge and resources while working more needs to be done to make any
point adopting an approach that caters towards a common goal. meaningful impact.
to those with an affinity for the natural “True conservation can only be “I need these animals and our
world, we need to be bringing in a achieved by a collaboration of wildlife conservation message to cut through
whole new audience.” individuals and entities that recognise the chaos of people’s modern-day life,”
that they all have a unique and comments Dingo. “To reach those who
2. CREATING A CONNECTION recognised role to play,” he continues. “A right now couldn’t give a hoot about
“Conservation for me is all about one good example is the collaboration we sharks or lions or crocodiles or rhinos or
thing – it’s about building a connection have with Toyota South Africa which fully snakes. Those that are so consumed with
between animals and people. If you supports our conservation initiatives. their everyday lives, that unless it’s flashy,
can get a person to build a meaningful We need companies, individuals, entertaining and in their faces, they will
connection with an animal, whether it’s conservationists, the media . . . everyone never give our wildlife and wild places a
through an online experience, a show, to come together if we really are going second thought. That is who I am trying to
or a live encounter, you can basically to make a significant difference to our reach. That is how I can make a difference,
guarantee the security of animals planet.” and that is why we do everything we do.”
whenever that person is involved going “The danger comes in when people
forward,” says Dingo. establish themselves as self-appointed To check out Dingo’s videos and
“That’s why everything I do – every authorities on conservation in Africa. I fear adventures, follow ‘Dingo Dinkelman’
video, every series, every interview, they will one day look back and be haunted on Facebook, and Instagram. Dingo
every public demonstration, every by how small their impact really was. The Dinkelman is proudly sponsored by
training session – is all about bringing time for stiff-necked conservationists, who Toyota.
people to a place where they will see see their method as the only way to create

The Villager • Issue 5 2022 • 13