Behind The Wire to #doDifferent
In the heart of the South African bush, beauty and tragedy often walk the same paths. While we celebrate our majestic wildlife, there is a "silent killer" lurking in the shadows: the snare. These unassuming loops of wire, hidden along animal tracks, are cheap, effective, and utterly indiscriminate.
Whether it’s an elephant, a lion, or a wild dog, the snare doesn't care. It tightens with every struggle, leading to a slow, painful end. But what if we could take that very tool of destruction and reshape it into a force for good?
That is exactly what Down 2 The Wire is doing.
Founded by siblings Troy and Lilly Otto, who grew up in the Lowveld with a deep passion for the wild, Down 2 The Wire was born from a desire to do more than just remove snares—they wanted to tell their story.
The process is as poetic as it is practical. Anti-poaching units and rangers across South Africa spend countless hours sweeping the bush to find and remove these traps. Usually, these piles of confiscated wire would be discarded. Instead, they are handed over to the Down 2 The Wire team in Hoedspruit.
There, the wire is cleaned, bent, and hammered into stunning, one-of-a-kind jewellery. When you wear a piece from their collection, you aren't just wearing a bracelet; you are wearing a piece of history that was destined for death but was reclaimed for life.
At the #doDifferent movement, we look for initiatives that create a "virtuous cycle" of impact. Down 2 The Wire hits every mark:
Awareness: Each item acts as a conversation starter. When someone asks about your unique bangle, you’re sharing the reality of snare poaching.
Direct Funding: Proceeds from every sale go directly toward covering the medical costs of animals injured by snares. This funding helps wildlife veterinarians—who often donate their time—pay for the expensive drugs and equipment needed for emergency rescues.
Community Involvement: They don’t just sell jewellery; they invite you into the process. At their workshop in Hoedspruit, you can attend a session to learn the craft and make your own piece of meaningful art.
Snaring is a crisis driven by complex issues like poverty and the illegal bushmeat trade. While the problem is massive, the solution starts with individual actions.
By choosing to support Down 2 The Wire, you are helping to fund the next emergency flight for a snared rhino or the life-saving surgery for a wounded cheetah. You are turning wire meant to kill into creations that inspire life.
Ready to wear the story? Here is how you can help:
Shop the Collection: Visit their website to browse their range of bangles, rings, and even bookmarks.
Visit the Workshop: If you’re near Hoedspruit, book a workshop to see the transformation firsthand.
Spread the Word: Share this story. The more people who know about the "silent killer," the more we can do to stop it.
In a world full of mass-produced items, why not choose something that carries a legacy of survival? Join us as we #doDifferent and help protect the wild heart of South Africa, one bracelet at a time.
