David's Bio

David Ebert, a retired lawyer with a distinguished career in commercial litigation, is the Co-Founder and President Emeritus of Animal Defense Partnership (ADP). From ADP’s founding in 2016 through 2025, David served as President and on the board, playing an integral role in shaping ADP’s mission, vision, and national impact. Under his leadership, ADP grew from a start-up nonprofit to a valued legal partner for hundreds of animal protection organizations across the United States.

In addition to leading ADP’s growth, David helped advance the broader concept of capacity building across the animal protection sector—working to ensure that organizations not only have access to legal counsel but also the tools, resources, and support systems needed to strengthen their operations and increase their impact. His leadership was instrumental in fostering partnerships and building strong relationships with funders, nonprofit support organizations, and advocates nationwide.

In 2025, David deepened his direct advocacy for animals by founding the Weeping Elephant Project, a nonprofit organization dedicated to ending the capture, abuse, and exploitation of elephants in circuses, zoos, roadside attractions, sham sanctuaries, and other forms of captivity. Through this work, David continues to champion the rights and welfare of elephants on a national scale.

In addition to his work with ADP and Weeping Elephant Project, David serves as a member or advisor to numerous other animal protection organizations, including the Pro Elephant Network, Voice for Asian Elephants Society, Physicians Association for Nutrition, Scarlet Spark, Free All Captive Elephants, The Asia for Animals Coalition/Capacity Building and Elephant Working Groups, Rowdy Girl Sanctuary’s Rancher Advocacy Program, TerraMar Research, and the Global Animal Law Association.

David’s legacy at ADP—and his ongoing leadership in the animal protection community—remain an important force in advancing the movement for animals.