Dereck & Beverly Joubert

The Jouberts are founders of Rhinos Without Borders, an initiative that has moved 87 rhinos from high poaching areas to safety. They also co-founded the Big Cats Initiative with National Geographic, which currently funds 150 projects in 28 countries. This program has now transitioned to the Great Plains Big Cats Initiative, under the Jouberts’ leadership and Great Plains Foundation management.

The Jouberts have made over 40 films for National Geographic, published 14 books, half a dozen scientific papers, and have written many articles for National Geographic magazine. Beverly Joubert is also an acclaimed photographer and her international exhibitions have further helped to raise awareness for the plight of big cats across the world.

Their films have received international recognition with major accolades including 8 Emmys, a Peabody, Wildscreen Panda Awards and a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Japan Wildlife Film Festival, to name but a few. The Jouberts were also awarded the World Ecology Award alongside Prince Charles and Richard Leakey, and in 2009, they were inducted in the American Academy of Achievement with the likes of Archbishop Desmond Tutu.
 

In 2011, Dereck and Beverly were honored with the Presidential Order of Meritorious Service by the
former President of Botswana, for their work within the country. In the 2013 Jackson Hole Film Festival,
Dereck and Beverly won the Outstanding Achievement Award. In 2014, Dereck and Beverly won the

prestigious lifetime achievement award from the SAFTAs. They were recently awarded the 2021
Explorers Club Medal, the club's highest honor, and were also inducted to the Explorers Club as Fellows.