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act are basically drowning in an ocean of online streaming
chaos,” explains the KZN-based conservationist. “Simply
put, we will not save our animals nor the incredible
ecosystems within which they live if we merely sit and captivating wildlife videos through the Dingo Dinkelman
spectate while they go over the precipice of extinction.” YouTube channel, gaining millions of views and amassing
more than 400 000 followers around the globe.
Since 2017, Dingo and his team have gained a massive
international following and generated funds for numerous “Over 75 million people have viewed our videos over the
conservation efforts in the country. He believes this last three years and the majority of comments we have
has been achieved by adopting three strategies. received from these viewers are along the lines of ‘I once
hated snakes now I respect them’ or ‘I once thought the
1. LEVERAGING ENTERTAINMENT only good snake was a dead one, but now I save them
“We live in a fast-paced world where whatever is the and don’t kill them’. This is what we’re looking to achieve –
loudest, flashiest or most entertaining will get the attention converting the unconverted. There’s no point adopting an
of the general public,” explains Dingo. Empowered approach that caters to those with an affinity for the natural
with this knowledge, Dingo and his team have created world, we need to be bringing in a whole new audience.”

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