Alby Mangels

He posed nude for Cleo magazine, while out of the limelight, together with his sister, Ria, Alby founded The Friends of the Disabled Association Inc. — a charity aimed at improving the quality of life for paraplegics and quadriplegics. He was accused of animal cruelty at a time not long after he’d thrown himself headlong into a crocodile-infested river to rescue a small fawn that had become stranded. He was looked on by some as a lightweight, yet World Safari II won Best Family Film of the Year at the Los Angeles Film Festival in 1986.

People are quick to judge Alby Mangels using scant surface gossip and ignoring other less-publicized facts. Did you know that he has helped establish awareness of the plight of the world’s endangered mountain gorillas? Or that he’s volunteered to visit hospices and jails to show his films? He still visits hospices today. While the rest of us sit down to a hearty meal on Christmas Day, Alby is getting his hands dirty with those less fortunate than ourselves. Such is the enigma of this misunderstood and often maligned man.

Few are aware that shortly after World Safari II outgrossed Hollywood blockbusters released in the same year, Alby lost his fortune and his reputation. Over the fifteen years that followed he quietly rose again, like a phoenix from the ashes, while helping both wildlife and needy humans who crossed his path along the way. Alby never once sought to declare his benevolence or address his critics. It’s time to rectify that situation. I consider myself privileged to have been given the opportunity to write Alby’s life story. I hope his fans will believe I’ve done it justice from the information that was provided to me and I hope, once we have set the record straight once and for all, you will feel as privileged as I do, to have shared in this story.