Presidents, Performers, and Patrons Raised Funds at Last Night’s Conservation International 30th Anniversary Gala Dinner

“I like this blue whale, and I’m proud of it,” said President Bill Clinton of the majestic mammal suspended overhead at the American Museum of Natural History. “But I don’t want future generations to experience nature in a museum.” Last night, his poignant remarks reverberated through the audience of the 30th anniversary gala dinner for Conservation International—a nonprofit protecting precious natural resources. For his significant environmental strides as head of state and at the Clinton Foundation, Clinton took to the stage to accept CI’s Global Visionary Award. “I really don’t think former presidents should ever get awards,” he continued. “But I’m proud of this one because I care so much about it and because it gives me a chance to say that, sometimes, the people in charge when something good happens get too much credit.”