Ian Joseph Somerhalder or known as Ian Somerhalder was born on December 8, 1978, in Covington, Louisiana, United States. He is an actor, model, and producer and became known publicly through his role as Boone Carlyle in the television series Lost.
Somerhalder is the son of Edna and Robert Somerhalder. His father was a building contractor and his mother Edna was a massage therapist. Since childhood, he grew up in Catholicism and attended school in St. Paul’s, Covington. His handsome face made him pursue as a model since he was 10 years old and at the age of 17, he decided to go into acting.
Ian Somerhalder and ISF Foundation
Nina Dobrev’s former lover is not only charming but also has a high concern for the environment. He even founded the Ian Somerhalder Foundation which is very focused on environmental welfare, starting with clean water issues, global warming, wildlife, to street dogs and cats. Through the website www.isfoundation.com, he shares a lot of information about the environment.
After waiting for almost 4 years since 2010, the ISF foundation officially opened a shelter for animals that were disposed of, abused, or unwanted by their owners. The place was open in his hometown, Louisiana, United States. Previously they faced obstacles including securing a plot of land and collecting sufficient funds so that the animal sanctuary could operate properly.
Through his foundation, he raised funds and founded the ISF animal sanctuary. Uniquely in this program, Ian combines animals with the issue of bullying. Ian sees a relationship between bullying and love of animals. Through this program, he wants the bully to become acquainted with animals to be able to learn more about love.
Ian has three cats, all of which are adoptions. He found his cat, Moke in the forest in Hawaii while he was filming there. Another cat named Thursday was found in a cellar in New York while the other cat he found in Canada.
Ian Somerhalder Campaigns via Twitter
Twitter is also a tool for Somerhalder to show concern for the environment and animals. Ian once campaigned for shark fins and puppy mills. Several years ago, he was raising awareness about the fate of a tiger named Tony who lived in Louisiana. The tiger was locked in a narrow cage to attract tourists and he invited everyone, including his fans, to sign the petition to get Tony released. This action was successful, the tiger could be saved and now lives in animal captivity in Tampa, Florida.
Somerhalder said that animals should live in their habitat because they often feel sad to see animals placed in small cages for human satisfaction. Ian has also participated in dog-themed festivals and this event is a fundraising event to finance dog shelters throughout America.
One animal that also gets his attention is a leatherback sea turtle, one of the endangered marine animals. They are the only oldest turtle species in the world that dates back 100 years. Ian showed his concern by becoming a host for the Discovery Planet Green’s Blue documentary.
Somerhalder’s efforts not only stopped there, but he also aspired his concern to the Congress through a five-minute speech, he requested that the provision of funds for multinational species conservation be extended. Somerhalder received the Gretchen Wyler Award given to those who worked hard for the care of animals. Two thumbs up, Ian Somerhalder.
