Party Animals

South African jungle tracker Boyd Varty was the mane attraction when Bobby and Susan Shand opened the doors of their Montecito aerie for a sunset soiree for AHA!, the Santa Barbara non-profit that inspires youth to be safe, seen and celebrated.

The bash, described as “a friend raiser,” also focused attention on the 21st anniversary concert of Sing It Out at the Lobero on May 9, which is the final part of a 12-week program when youngsters are mentored to perform a rock ‘n’ roll cover song on stage in front of a packed audience.

Varty, co-founder of the Good Work Foundation and author of two books, Cathedral of the Wild and The Lion Tracker’s Guide to Life, is the fourth-generation custodian of Londolozi, near Johannesburg, which, over the last 80 years, has morphed from a game reserve into a nature reserve.

It is also famed as the location the late Nelson Mandela went to recover after coming out of prison after 27 years.

Varty, who recounted being attacked by a crocodile at the age of 18, gave a fascinating insight into the thinking of jungle animals, as well as tracking lions and leopards in the African bush.

Among the supporters listening raptly to the lecture were Marla Phillips, Christina Rottman, Judy Anticouri, Rob and Pru Sternin, rocker Kenny Loggins, Nicholas Farnum, Laura Givertz, Sam Tyler, and Russell Ghitterman.