Ted Turner's Passion for Wildlife, Lands Conservation Inspired Millions

RESTON, Va. - Conservation champion, outdoorsman, and philanthropist Ted Turner worked tirelessly to restore American bison and other vulnerable wildlife to North America and inspired generations of environmentalists to get outdoors, connect with nature, and make a difference to protect it. One of National Wildlife Federation's most visionary supporters, Turner, who passed away this week, received the National Wildlife Federation's Lifetime Achievement Award in 2021 for his work to conserve and restore habitat and recover wildlife.

"From buffalo to whooping cranes to black-footed ferrets, Ted Turner worked at the forefront of ensuring our wildlife heritage will endure for future generations," said Collin O'Mara, president and CEO of the National Wildlife Federation. "His legacy of generosity and leadership and his passion for wildlife and wild places will live on in the millions of Americans he inspired. We grieve his loss, honor his legacy by continuing the work, and share our condolences with his family and friends."

Turner was an avid support of NWF's work in the West and beyond to recover species, safeguard and expand vital habitats, and connect future generations with nature. He generously supported a wide range of NWF efforts, including its endangered species campaigns, beaver re-introduction work, cattle-grazing-allotment retirements, Earth Tomorrow®, and many environmental education initiatives.