human-animal bond
The call of the wild
Former wildlife manager and award-nominated conservationist Mario Cesare reflects on his years spent on the frontlines of Africa’ s most dangerous antipoaching operations in his new book, Tracks in the Dust.
From the bustle of his family’ s Italian restaurant in Johannesburg to the frontlines of South Africa’ s anti-poaching operations, Mario Cesare has spent a lifetime answering a call to the wild.
In Tracks in the Dust: A Game Ranger’ s Journey, the former wildlife manager and awardnominated conservationist reflects on the moments that shaped him: the childhood stories that first sparked his imagination, the realities of life as a game ranger, and the extraordinary bond with his K9 partner, Saba.
We chatted with Mario about his life as a ranger, why he wanted to tell his story now, and what he believes is needed to protect South Africa’ s wildlife for future generations.
62 www. petpals. co. za