“To me, the only good cage is an empty cage.”

The numerous conservation awards that Lawrence Anthony received say a lot about his relentless efforts in conservation. Staying true to his words, he worked hard to ensure that animals were protected and free, along with the natural environment. The long deserving list is as follows:

• Living Lakes “Best Conservation Practice” Award by Global Nature Fund
• Earth Day medal by the Earth Society for his rescue of the Baghdad Zoo
• Earth Trustee Award by United Nations Earth Society
• US Army 3rd Infantry’s Regimental medal for bravery in Iraq during the Coalition invasion of Baghdad
• Rotary International Paul Harris Fellowship for outstanding contribution to the ideals of Rotary
• Freedom Medal by International Association of Scientologists
• Umhlatuzi Mayoral Award for Outstanding Community Service
• Posthumous Doctor of Science award by University of KwaZula-Natal South Africa for “his unfailing commitment to the protection and conservation of animals and the broader environment, and for his successes in reaching out to share his unique experiences with the world.”

Besides tangible awards like medals, he also built up a credible reputation for himself which has been acknowledged by many others:

• Member of the governing council of the Southern Africa Association for the Advancement of Science
• International membership of the Explorers Club of New York
• Recognised by influential journalist Tom Clynes as one of his six most impressive people of reporting
• Initiatives are widely reported by local and international media like Reader’s Digest, BBC and CNN