Founder
Lawrence Anthony
The Man Mourned by Elephants
South African conservationist, Dr. Lawrence Anthony's work demonstrated that conservation succeeds when it is practical, relationship-driven, and grounded in real-world conditions.
In 1999, Lawrence rescued and brought to his game preserve a rogue, wild herd of elephants considered too dangerous to manage and about to be put down. Through patience and dogged persistence, he earned their trust and obvious affection. Though they continued to be wild, the herd calmed down and peacefully settled in to their new home. The remarkable story is told in his bestselling book The Elephant Whisperer, as the relationship developed over time to the point where, driving in the bush, he would call out to them and when they heard him, they would come from great distances to just stand around and be with him. That experience shaped his approach to life and conservation issues: understanding and good control.
In 2003, his courageous, 6-month, rescue initiative of the largest zoo in the Middle East during the Iraqi War gained international recognition through extensive news features and media. The extraordinary story is told in his bestselling book, Babylon's Ark: The Incredible War-Time Rescue of the Baghdad Zoo. In 2007, he helped the UN negotiate terms with rebels in Central Africa to bring about the end to the longest running civil war and to help protect the last of the Northern White Rhino species.
His work clearly demonstrated that conservation works best when it genuinely includes and benefits all sides.
When Lawrence passed away in 2012, he was 300 kilometers away from his home on a business trip and his beloved elephant herd was 18 kilometers from his home on the reserve. They appeared to perceive, even at such great distance, that he had passed away as they immediately began a trek to his home and stayed around the house in obvious distress for several hours.
They returned to his home on the anniversary of his death for four years thereafter.
Lawrence Anthony – Founder
Co-Founder & International President
Barbara Wiseman
American Pioneering Humanitarian
Over the past 40 years, Barbara Wiseman has dedicated herself to helping improve conditions for her fellow man, and all life forms, in a variety of humanitarian and service-oriented organizations.
She has held senior executive positions in leading refugee resettlement non-profits, educational counseling centers and management consulting companies. Her radio program called Building a Better World, starting in 1994, was carried, daily, for seven years on 230 stations across the U.S., where she interviewed a wide variety of real-world heroes who were successfully improving conditions for people from all walks of life. It was through her radio program that Barbara first met Lawrence.
In 2003, upon returning from his Baghdad Zoo rescue, Lawrence asked Barbara to help him create The Earth Organization. As its Co-Founder and President, Barbara directs the organization's work to isolate and implement long-term, science-based solutions to large-scale issues — taking on situations affecting large populations and implementing logical solutions that benefit all stakeholders. Every program is measured against a single standard: does it create lasting, verifiable impact in the field?
Examples include A) training first responders about solutions to toxic conditions in Louisiana and Mississippi after Hurricane Katrina; B) identifying and educating oil industry executives and government regulators on the most effective method for restoring the Gulf of Mexico after the massive oil blowout by British Petroleum, in 2010; and C) she identified and acquired for the non-profit the most advanced technology for locating and drilling for previously hidden, yet abundant sources of freshwater coming up from deep within the planet. Her team has conducted numerous projects for farmers, ranchers, cities, regional governments, industry, and water companies throughout the American Southwest, Australia, Chile, and Bahrain and is currently working to bring this remarkable water location technology to other drought-impacted regions around the world.
Barbara Wiseman – Co-Founder & International President
International Executive Director
Yvette Taylor
Piloting and Overseeing Model Programs
Yvette began her career as a Town and Regional Planner in South Africa but quickly found her life's calling to be in charitable, non-profit humanitarian work, overseeing financial and corporate governance, marketing and PR, strategic planning, Human Resource and personnel training.
In 2010, Lawrence invited Yvette to become The Earth Organization's International Executive Director, based in our Durban, South Africa headquarters. She worked closely with Lawrence until he passed away in 2012 and, together with Barbara, has guided the forward progress of the organization, guiding our outlying chapters in their establishment and work.
At the same time, Yvette has created and operated local projects in the Durban area, intended to become model programs for similar situations around the world. Just some examples have been: A) the design, building, and oversight of a baby rhino orphanage in Kwa-Zulu Natal; B) the creation of government-funded habitat restoration teams during which over 80 local Zulus were hired, trained for alien plant removal, and managed for three years to restore habitat for over 6,850 acres of land; C) authored our World Restoration book series to provide accurate data and solutions about a wide variety of environmental and conservation issues; and D) conducted workshops, summer camps, and other educational programs for thousands of disadvantaged youth.
Yvette Taylor – International Executive Director
