A man who never gave up on romance - Mario Saincic's Writing Blog

Following my previous post where we got to know a bit more about Damien Mander, the man who turned a calling into a selfless organisation, we continue by getting insight into the threat that rhino poaching has on the extinction of this species. I would again like to thank Damien for conducting this interview.  ******* "We are fighting a war, and we need to realise it." - Damien Mander The day after we met at the Jane Goodall Institute, I drove through the Kruger National Park trying to spot the Big 5. Unfortunately I only managed 4 seeing as leopards can be very illusive and private. But the highlight was seeing a rhino even though only in the distance. How does it feel to get up close and personal with these majestic beasts? It’s a very special thing, but at the same time it is very hard to sit back and relax and say everything’s fine. You know, animals don’t want much. They don’t ask for a pay check, a fancy house or fast car. They just want one thing, a...

Being fortunate enough to hear Dr Jane Goodall speak at Chimp Eden, South Africa, earlier in the year, I also met a man that demands attention. Not only is he tall and riddled with tattoos, but his mission and unselfish commitment to bringing an end to illegal wildlife trade is nothing short of inspirational. Months later, Damien Mander gave of his time to conduct a Skype interview with me, and I would like to share it with all of you... ******* Are we ready to start? Give me a few to grab a beer and then you can shoot. After a few... Firstly, thank you, Damien, for offering up a moment of your time. No worries, mate. I should have done it a long time ago, it’s just that I would have rescheduled a few times anyway with being all over the place, so I thought I’d wait until I’m back home at the office. Secondly, and I’m not sure how much of a sport fan you are, but congratulations on Australia taking the ICC World Cup. Yeah, I very much enjoy my cricket. I watched ...