International Elephant Foundation

International Elephant Foundation

Formation	1999; 25 years ago (1999)
Type	Nonprofit
Tax ID no.	75-2815706
Legal status	501(c)(3)
Purpose	Elephant Conservation Charity
Headquarters	Azle, Texas
Location	US
Board President	Michael Fouraker
Executive Director	Deborah Olson
Board of directors	Michael Fouraker; Charlie Gray; Tom Schmid; Dr. Kristi Burtis; Tom Albert; Brian Aucone; Lou Barreda; Rob Bernardy; Frank Carlos Camacho; Daryl Hoffman; Gary Johnson; Liz Larsen; Dr. Arne Lawrenz; Amos Morris; Tim Morrow; Tim Thier
Website	https://elephantconservation.org/

The International Elephant Foundation (IEF) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation. Formed by individuals and institutions, IEF is dedicated to the conservation of African and Asian elephants worldwide.

In 1998, Executive Director of Fort Worth Zoo Michael Fouraker envisioned an elephant foundation to provide funds and expertise to elephant related projects. Michael was a board member of International Rhino Foundation (IRF), and used the organizational structure and business plan of IRF as a template for multiple elephant holding facilities with diverse missions to come together for a shared common goal of contributing to the long-term preservation of elephants.^[1]

In November 1998, Michael invited nine representatives from zoos, private elephant facilities, circuses and a university to Fort Worth, Texas, to discuss how a foundation could significantly enhance current conservation efforts. From this first organizational meeting the International Elephant Foundation was born. The IEF was incorporated in 1999.^[2]