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Ted Turner Dies at 87, Celebrated for Wildlife Conservation

5/11/2026

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Ted Turner Dies

Turner said his proudest accomplishment was protecting wildlife, deeply insisting humans merely borrow the Earth.
In Florida, Ted Turner died at age 87 after a long battle with Lewy body dementia.
U.S. President Donald Trump praised Turner as a great and friend while criticizing CNN’s stewardship.
CNN Chairman Mark Thompson called Turner CNN’s presiding spirit, praising his impact on news worldwide.

Left

Ted Turner Ranches

Ted Turner’s large-scale land purchases pioneered a model later copied by billionaires such as Stan Kroenke, Bill Gates and Jeff Bezos.
CNN founder Ted Turner owned two million acres across 13 ranches in six states, including the 500,000-acre Vermejo Park Ranch.
Turner married three times and was widely reported to have a reputation for infidelity.
His land stewardship positioned him as an early conservation pioneer among private owners.

History

Historical Context

Yellowstone became the first U.S. national park in 1872, reserving over 2 million acres under federal control. The 1916 Organic Act, signed by President Woodrow Wilson after Stephen Mather’s campaign, created the National Park Service to manage the growing system. Today, billionaires like Ted Turner echo that legacy by acquiring two million acres of private ranchland for conservation.

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Ted Turner Dies

Turner said his proudest accomplishment was protecting wildlife, deeply insisting humans merely borrow the Earth.
In Florida, Ted Turner died at age 87 after a long battle with Lewy body dementia.
U.S. President Donald Trump praised Turner as a great and friend while criticizing CNN’s stewardship.
CNN Chairman Mark Thompson called Turner CNN’s presiding spirit, praising his impact on news worldwide.

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