Heifer Ranch Welcomes Special Guest Star Ian Somerhalder

By Annie Bergman

October 3, 2019

Last Updated: August 6, 2014

Heifer Ranch Welcomes Special Guest Star Ian Somerhalder

Most know him as Damon Salvatore or even as Boone Carlyle, but this weekend Heifer International got to know actor and television star Ian Somerhalder in a new role: Animal Lover, Conservationist and Activist.

group shot at Heifer ranch sign
Actor Ian Somerhalder joined a small group of Heifer staff for a day at Heifer Ranch in Perryville, Ark.

The actor spent Saturday at Heifer Ranch in Perryville, Ark., getting to know Heifer’s mission and work. He also put in some quality time with the Ranch’s lead actors: Abu the camel and our herd of glorious goats.

A passionate conservationist who is close to the work of Conservation International, Somerhalder delved into agricultural practices and techniques while on the Ranch tour. He has started his own foundation, The Ian Somerhalder Foundation, which “aims to empower, educate and collaborate with people and projects to positively impact the planet and its creatures.” 

Somerhalder will be honored with a Noble Globe—the award Heifer bestows on individuals who act as citizens of the world, seeking to bring dignity and hope to those affected by environmental degradation and poverty—for his work to create sustainable change at Heifer’s third annual Beyond Hunger: A Place at the Table gala in Los Angeles August 22.

Join Heifer as we honor Somerhalder and others in Los Angeles.