When I was a child, I used to play a game with my friends called “Which animal are you?”, and I said I was a leopard. I clearly remember that among butterflies, lemurs, tortoises, and giraffes, I was the only predator, and all the other animals were afraid of me. From that moment on, the leopard became my favorite animal. Over time, I must admit, the cheetah joined it as well. I find the leopard to be a completely and utterly magnificent animal: elegant, strong in character, incredibly beautiful and intelligent, yet at the same time elusive. It gives me a feeling of softness and elasticity, of calm and silence, wrapped in a magical and mysterious veil. Although the leopard is traditionally considered a solitary animal, over the years I have observed notable changes in its behavior. For example, a mother living together with her two adult daughters after losing her new cub, or two adult males hunting together—an interaction that is highly atypical for the species.

Because of this deep connection and my desire to better understand these dynamics, I chose to support and take part in the The Sabi Sand Leopard Project. Monitoring and estimating the population are essential to understanding how leopards adapt to territorial limitations and how they choose reproductive partners, especially considering that Sabi Sand hosts the highest concentration of leopards in the world. Understanding how they interact with one another and the hierarchical roles they develop is crucial for their conservation.

I know Singita and the Singita Lowveld Trust personally and have had the opportunity to witness their commitment to numerous wildlife conservation projects in Zimbabwe and South Africa, including initiatives to protect rhinos, leopards, and other threatened species. I have personally participated in some of these projects and witnessed the accuracy, transparency, and dedication with which they conduct every activity. Each project is managed with scientific rigor and genuine care for animal welfare and ecosystem protection. I consider them extremely reliable partners, and I am confident that the funds raised through the sale of my book can meaningfully support these initiatives, helping to protect magnificent species and make a real difference in wildlife conservation.