Philip Price, Founder

Philip Price is a distinguished conservation geologist, environmental scientist/engineer, adventure guide, filmmaker, and community organizer with over 30 years of experience. As the founder and executive director of SavingGanesh.org, he has dedicated much of his career to leading conservation efforts, primarily in Sri Lanka and India. His passion for Asian elephants has made him one of the most prominent spokespersons for their conservation.

With a multifaceted background, Price has successfully worn various hats throughout his career. He has built one of the largest social media communities focused on the welfare of Asian elephants, connecting with experts such as Sri Lanka's Director of Wildlife Health, government veterinarians, and wildlife rangers. Price's expertise has been sought after by television media and filmmakers, including collaborations with BBC's Linda Pressly for her production "Elephants, Politics, and Sri Lanka" and journalists from M6 TV in Europe.

Price's influence extends beyond media collaborations; he has been instrumental in major conservation initiatives. He played a pivotal role in stopping elephant-riding tourism and campaigned against the use of elephants in circus acts by Ringling Brothers. Additionally, his efforts shed light on abuses at the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage in Sri Lanka, leading to its redevelopment.

In the early stages of his career, Price recognized the power of documentary films in creating awareness and cultural change. He served as a lead guide for film crews during multiple 25-day rafting trips down the Grand Canyon for the documentary "Colorado River, Our Stolen Treasure" (1995-1998). His work in Sri Lanka and India includes notable films such as "Elephants of Paradise" (1998 and 2006, updated in 2020) and "My Grandfather was a Tribal Chief." Price's expertise in utilizing social media as an educational tool has significantly impacted public understanding and influenced land-policy decisions.

Beyond his filmmaking and advocacy, Price is also an inventor. He developed an innovative technology to remediate soil contamination, earning him a million-dollar grant from the EPA, DoD, and DoE in 1995 and a patent in 1998. His environmental contributions allowed him to focus full-time on his passion for saving the wild Asian elephant.

SavingGanesh.org, under Price's leadership, has collaborated with renowned organizations such as WWF and Smithsonian, as well as numerous local conservation groups. The organization actively engages in community activism, organizing annual events like the Bhakti and Shakti Festivals in Joshua Tree, and participating in festivals such as Hanuman, Sedona, Telluride, SoulPlay, and Beloved Festivals. SavingGanesh.org is a vital participant in the "Consciousness community," drawing dedicated volunteers who share Price's commitment to wildlife conservation and environmental stewardship.