March 9, 2023 — Today, American Humane—the United States’ first animal welfare organization—was in South Africa to present the Global Humanitarian Award to Adrian Gardiner, a lifelong conservationist, co-founder of the Community Conservation Fund Africa, chairman of the Mantis Group, and founder of the Shamwari Game Reserve. Through his tireless work in the region that spans decades, Adrian has altered the trajectory of numerous species in Africa for the better. 

Only a handful of heroes have received the American Humane Global Humanitarian Medal. Previous recipients include the late actress and animal lover Betty White, world renowned conservationists Wolfgang Kiessling, and international musician Naomi Judd. Watch a video of the award ceremony here.

“Adrian Gardiner has proven himself to be a lifelong conservationist and champion of animals,” said Dr. Robin Ganzert, President and CEO of American Human. “His work has changed the course of history for countless species in Africa and around the world. I am in awe of Adrian’s commitment to making the world a kinder place for animals and am thankful for all the other conservationists he has inspired along the way to take up the fight. No one is more deserving of this award.”

Founded in 1877, American Humane is the country’s first national humane organization and the world’s largest certifier of animal welfare, overseeing the humane treatment of more than one billion animals across the globe each year. Visit AmericanHumane.org to learn more.