text Virginia Mammoli
Discovering the magical world of Emily Balatri
A chat with RTV38's super vet who loves animals and makes them love them
How did you grow fond of nature and animals?
I was born in Florence, but I spent a lot of time at my family’s countryside house in the Mugello area as a child and I soon realized that connecting with animals came very natural to me. At the age of 6, I had already decided to become a veterinarian.
A vet on the front line protecting animals. Do you have a memorable rescue story?
I travel a lot, so I often happen to assist animals in difficulties. Once, I was sailing off the coast of Livorno and I had to rescue a loggerhead sea turtle tangled in a plastic sheet.
Why did you start appearing on television?
I started by chance, but I have been collaborating with channel RTV38 for two years now, taking my passion for nature to television. In my show, Il Mondo degli Animali, I talk about many different animal species.
You are also an artist. What are your favorite works of art in Florence?
Michelangelo’s Prigioni at the Accademia Gallery and his Crucifix in the Church of Santo Spirito, and Leonardo’s studies of heads for the Battle of Anghiari at Palazzo Vecchio, a work of art I am very passionate about and of which I made a replica on canvas.
A place in Florence for connecting with nature?
Fattoria di Maiano in Fiesole, a fabulous place, worthy of Florence’s beauty, where one can plunge into nature and take part in activities for both children and adults.
If Florence were an animal, what would it be and why?
Well, just think of the Marzocco: definitely a lion, the symbol of force and independence.
