In his youth, Lawrence recognized the ongoing degradation by Mankind of the Plant and Animal Kingdoms, and the environment, and later in life dedicated himself to finding effective environmental solutions for the benefit of all life forms.
In 2003, he decided to collect all his conservation activities under one banner and establish an organization that would carry out his vision towards the attainment of a safeguarded and improving planetary environment, in which all life flourishes. And The Earth Organization was born.
Born in Johannesburg, South Africa in 1950, and raised in Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Malawi, Lawrence attended boarding school at King Edward 7th high school in Johannesburg, before finishing school in Empangeni Zululand. Lawrence grew up in remote rural areas of Africa where he established anearly relationship with the African bush.
Lawrence is a well known explorer, conservationist, and humanitarian, activities that he considers to be complimentary.
Owner and longstanding head of conservation at Thula Thula game reserve, the oldest private wildlife reserve in the Province of Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa.
Personal wildlife focusis the African Elephant. Lawrence's unique relationship with wild Elephant on Thula Thula has attracted international interest and seen him named as The Elephant Whisperer in the media. His initiatives have resulted in the successful rehabilitation of problem herds and traumatised individuals.
Primary conservation focus is the education and involvement of remote, ruralAfricancommunities in conservation and environmental awareness.
Conducted the internationally acclaimed rescue of the Baghdad Zoo during the onset of the coalition invasion of Iraq in April 2003..
Founder THE EARTH ORGANIZATION, a privately registered, non-profit, international society, the purpose of which is to protect the environment and enhance the survival potential of all life forms, through education, action, and example.
Negotiated a groundbreaking cease fire against conservationists and game rangers with the Lord's Resistance Army, [LRA] a Ugandan rebel army who occupied the Garamba National Park in the North East of the Democratic Republic of Congo, [DRC] threatening theprotection of the critically endangered Northern White Rhino and pygmy Gongo giraffe.
Lawrence's life and work have also been the focus of TV, Radio and Newspaper articles around the world, as well as numerous magazines, including Readers Digest, The Explorers Journal, Men's Journal, Shape Magazine, Elle Magazine, The Smithsonian, Africa Geographic, and others.
Hisbook "Babylon's Ark" which tells the true story ofthe war timerescue of the Baghdad Zoowas released inNew York on March 6th 2007.
The story of the Zoo rescue is currently being developed into a major Hollywood movie production under the title "Good Luck Mr Anthony."
In 1993 Lawrence took time off from his wildlife activities to actively participate with his Zulu friends and leaders in the transition from Apartheid to a free non racial society. He represented Zulu leaders on two TEC interim government committees, including the panel for the electronic media, which appointed the board of Directors for the South African National Broadcasting Corporation in televised interviews.
Attended the first ever Iraq Human Rights conference held inDahuk, Kurdistan in 2003, as one of four guest speakers at the invitation of the Kurdistan Minister of Human Rights.
Formally presented the South African model for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission to members of the Iraq Governing Council, and senior members of the Iraq judiciary in Baghdad in 2003.
Lawrence is an in demand speaker and travels internationally for this purpose as a means of furthering his conservation, himanitarianand environmental goals.
He is involved in several local charitable institutions.
I follow sport on a Saturday when I can, supporting the Kwa Zulu/Natal Sharks rugby team and South African Rugby and Cricket. I sometimes cheer on the English Newcastle soccer team [My grandfather was born there and they need the help.]
My taste in music varies, from the music of my youth - Deep purple, Uriah Heep, ["Demons and Wizards" is still one of my favourite discs,] Led Zeppellin, and of course Free. Creed do a great job today of keeping those sounds alive. My current taste has evolved to the classics and ranges from Opera, [Verdi's Chorus of the Hebrew slaves never fails to capture me,] through Vivaldi to Beethoven. Francoise loves traditional jazz and I am getting a taste for it as well.
I read as much as time will allow, from the classics - I have just reread Joseph Conrad's "The Heart of Darkness" which set in 19th century Congo, to lighter reading such as Frederick Forsythe. I enjoy revisiting classic science fiction from the golden age. If I find a quiet moment I enjoy poetry. Edgar Allan Poe's "The Raven" is probably my favourite.
Unfortunately we don't have a movie theatre anywhere near us out in the Zululand bush, but Ienjoy comedy and my favourite movies are "A fish called Wanda" and "My cousin Vinni." And my favourite actors - well all those celebrities who support and back The Earth Organization of course.