Leigh Henry
Senior Policy Advisor, Species Conservation & Advocacy
Leigh leads policy efforts related to wildlife conservation. Since joining the WWF family in 2001, Leigh’s work has encompassed drafting Congressional testimony, commenting on and drafting proposed legislation and rulemakings, assisting in the prosecution and sentencing phases of high-profile wildlife trade cases, and leading WWF’s efforts around CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) and the International Whaling Commission. She has played a key role in our efforts to combat illegal tiger trade and to ensure the survival of wild tigers through improved international and U.S. policies. More recently, she was a core member of the Stop Wildlife Trade campaign, which helped to secure unprecedented global and U.S. leadership and commitment to end poaching and wildlife crime.
“My 'field work' takes place in the offices of government agencies and international conference halls. While the work may not be glamorous, it’s critical; without the legal framework to support our conservation efforts, we won't succeed.”
In The News
-
NationalGeographic.jpg?1411571947)
Reader's Digest
Photos of Lasting Interest
Each month, Reader's Digest editors invite unique curators to share a photo that resonates with them personally. WWF's Leigh Henry shares her favorite.
-
National Geographic
Japan to Resume Whaling Next Year, Defying International Whaling Commission
-
Living on Earth
The Fight To Save the Elephants
Elephant poaching and illegal ivory trafficking have skyrocketed in the last decade. Just last year, poachers killed more than 20,000 elephant in Africa. But as Leigh Henry of the World Wildlife Fund explains to host Steve Curwood, there is strong international action planned to crack down on the illegal ivory trade.
-
NBC News
'Iconic' Elephant, Satao, Killed by Poachers in Kenya
An “iconic and well-loved” elephant known for his enormous tusks was shot dead with a poison arrow by poachers who mutilated his body behind the point of immediate recognition, a Kenyan conservation organization said. Satao, who was at least 45-year-old, was one of about a dozen “tuskers” left in Tsavo, Kenya. The rare elephants can rest their 100-pound tusks on the ground while standing.
More on Leigh
Title
Senior Policy Advisor
Education
- Master of Studies in Environmental Law, Vermont Law School
- B.A. Cultural Anthropology with a Minor in Environmental Studies, James Madison University
Areas of Expertise
- International and U.S. wildlife conservation policy
- International and U.S. wildlife trade policy
- CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species)
- IWC (International Whaling Commission)
- Tiger trade and conservation
- Government advocacy
