Longneck Manor founder, Rick Barongi, recently attended the International Tapir Symposium held in Campo Grande, Brazil. During this event, Rick had the honor of presenting Dr. Patricia Medici with a Lifetime Achievement Award for her outstanding work in tapir conservation. Dr. Medici, who serves as the Chair of the IUCN Tapir Specialist Group, has dedicated her career to protecting these unique animals and their habitats. The Longneck Manor Conservation Foundation was one of four institutions who proudly sponsored this award, which will become an annual recognition of exceptional contributions to tapir science.
Rick and Dr. Medici have been close friends for over 25 years, sharing a deep commitment to wildlife conservation. Dr. Medici leads the Lowland Tapir Conservation Initiative (LTCI), a comprehensive effort under the Institute for Ecological Research (IPÊ) to protect tapirs across Brazil’s four major biomes. The LTCI not only focuses on tapir research but also promotes habitat conservation, environmental education, and scientific tourism. Longneck Manor believes that supporting such initiatives is crucial for wildlife conservation, as it aligns with their mission of ensuring animal welfare and preserving natural habitats. To learn more about Dr. Medici’s work and support her efforts, visit IPÊ Brasil’s website.
Longneck Manor considers wildlife conservation to be akin to animal welfare in the wild, and actively supports organizations that are committed to saving wild animals and their habitats while working proactively with local communities. To learn more about the Longneck Manor Conservation Foundation, click here.
