Support
Ella Friedman’s
Passion for Whale Shark Conservation

Whale sharks are an iconic species, the largest fish to have ever lived, but they’ve experienced a drastic decline of over 50% since the 1980s. Our program’s mission is to safeguard whale sharks from further decline while helping their populations recover.

In Loving Memory of Ella Dawn Friedman:

Ella, a brilliant, creative, caring, beautiful, and selfless young woman, was tragically taken from us far too soon. A beloved student at Virginia Tech, she was known for her inquisitive nature, kindness, and ability to make her friends laugh. She brought light into the lives of everyone who knew her. Ella was studying to be an engineer with the goal of conducting research and exploring the vast frontiers of space. 

Ella had a deep love for animals and a wealth of knowledge about many species. She used her advocacy skills to testify before the Maryland Senate and House of Delegates to support a bill banning the use of animals for cosmetic testing, a law that subsequently passed. She also helped to socialize puppies who were being trained to assist veterans suffering from PTSD.

In her memory, we are raising funds for the Marine Megafauna Foundation’s Whale Shark Program. Ella had recently adopted a whale shark, a magnificent creature she deeply admired. Your donation will support critical research and conservation efforts for these gentle giants, helping to ensure that Ella's passion for protecting animals endures.

“We are deeply honored to see Ella’s legacy live on through support for our whale shark conservation efforts. The funds raised in her memory will help advance critical research and protection for these gentle giants, ensuring her passion for animals continues to inspire meaningful change. Ella’s dedication to making the world a better place mirrors our mission, and we are privileged to carry her spirit forward in this work.”

– Dr Simon Pierce
 MMF Co-Founder and Leader of our
Global Whale Shark Research & Conservation Program.

MMF is a registered 501(c)(3) tax-deductible non-profit conservation organization in the USA. All contributions are tax-deductible. No goods or services will provided in exchange for this contribution. Learn about our Platinum Level Transparency here.

A very special thank you to the following who have kindly supported whale shark conservation in memory of Ella.

This list is updated periodically. We are deeply grateful to all donors, including those whose contributions may not yet be reflected here. If you are listed and prefer to remain anonymous, or if your name is missing and some time has passed, please email madeleine@marinemegafauna.org.

  • April Amberman

  • Leslie Porter

  • Myles and Carrie Friedman

  • Michele Rifkin

  • Kathryn Smith

  • Mary Dolan

  • Erica Martin

  • Jaime V. Fishman

  • Stacey Chipurnoi

  • Anne Porcaro

  • Sylvia Wasson

  • Rebecca Wessling

  • Andy Friedman

  • Raffi & Danielle Ishkanian

  • Heather Long

  • Chris Holbein

  • Rachel Querry

  • Twila Mynhier

  • Heather Rubinstein

  • Else Kristensen

  • Stephanie Shain

  • Amy McDonnell

  • Mark Rodgers

  • Tamara Santelli

  • Anya Zabski

  • Liliana Molina

  • Jennifer A Hillman

  • Carla and Creig Northrop and Northrop Realty 

  • Kathleen Conlee-Griffin

  • Karla Pinato

  • Mimi Brody

  • Jill Fritz

  • Gabriel Wigtil

  • Katherine Blocher

  • Denise Bovenzi

  • Eric Black

  • Meredith Zanni

  • Missy Sellers

  • Toni Scratchard

  • Cathy Liss

  • James Whitin

  • Heidi Lindsay

  • Laura Hagen

  • Fred/Cathy Friedman/Mann

  • Tiffany Mendoza-Farfan

  • Debra Leahy

  • Susan Friedman

  • Christopher Canepa

  • Sue Torres

  • Blanca Ruiz

  • Anne Grübel

  • Jessielyn Capua

  • Jamila Dorsey

  • Muriel Gehring

  • Stephanie yedo

  • Martin Svoboda

  • Anna Marie Malloy

  • Jennifer Eskra

  • Lili Molina

  • Kaitlin brennan

  • Lydia Van Zant

Global Whale Shark Research Program - Galapagos
Global Whale Shark Research Program - Mafia Island Tanzania

See how your support in Ella’s memory will protect whale sharks

The Global Whale Shark Research & Conservation Program

Whale sharks are an iconic species, the largest fish to have ever lived, but they’ve experienced a drastic decline of over 50% since the 1980s. This program’s mission is to safeguard whale sharks from further decline, while helping their populations recover.

What’s this program about?

Our Global Whale Shark Research & Conservation Program focuses on developing innovative and practical conservation strategies to protect these incredible creatures. Our team's expertise in whale shark research has garnered worldwide recognition.

 

Explore MMF’s Global Whale Shark Research & Conservation Projects:

Mafia Island, Tanzania

Madagascar

Galapagos

Oman

Mozambique

Whale Shark Research Team

Our small team – led by a global authority on whale sharks, Dr Simon Pierce – has garnered international acclaim for their groundbreaking research, combining their diverse scientific expertise to advance the conservation of these enigmatic ocean giants.

Catch up on our latest whale shark news

 

“

MMF’s relentless research, breakthrough peer-reviewed publications, community advocacy, and international coordination have been critical in safeguarding our marine giants, and the last truly wild places in our oceans.

I see MMF as one of the world’s most fearless, effective and financially efficient marine science organizations of our time.

Tiffany Schauer
Founder & Executive Director
Our Children’s Earth Foundation