It’s official, “The Vampire Diaries” star Ian Somerhalder is nice to animals.

Somerhalder will receive the Wyler Award at the 2012 Genesis Awards, a recognition by The Humane Society to a public figure or celebrity who uses the media to raise awareness of animal rights and other pertinent issues.

“The tireless efforts of The Humane Society of the United States to protect animals around the world has always been an inspiration to me and I’m honored to be recognized with this year’s Wyler Award,” said Somerhalder, who has spoken out about fur in fashion, shark finning, endangered species and seal hunting in Canada.

“Ian is the epitome of a new kind of advocate who leverages his fame and an array of media platforms to draw public attention to animal protection concerns and other issues that he cares deeply about,” said Beverly Kaskey, executive producer of the Genesis Awards. “From addressing Congress to making TV appearances to regularly blogging to informing his million-plus followers on Twitter, Ian is a major voice and force for animals and a most deserving recipient of The Wyler Award.”

As we previously reported, the 26th Genesis Awards will be hosted by Carrie Ann Inaba.