Meet the Six Conservation Champions Nominated for the 2025 Indianapolis Prize
The Indianapolis Prize has recently recognized six exceptional conservationists as DeHaan Finalists for the coveted 2025 award, an esteemed biennial honor for those making significant strides in animal conservation. Each finalist will receive a $50,000 grant to support their ongoing conservation efforts, marking a step towards a more sustainable future for various endangered species.
Celebrating 20 Years of Impact
As the world's foremost award for animal conservation, the Indianapolis Prize is set to celebrate its 20th anniversary. It acknowledges individuals who lead groundbreaking initiatives that protect species and their habitats. Since its inception, the prize has awarded over $7 million to conservationists worldwide, enhancing public awareness and providing crucial financial backing for their projects.
Dr. Rob Shumaker, the president and CEO of the Indianapolis Zoological Society, underscored the significance of this award: "These six extraordinary conservationists have achieved tangible results in safeguarding threatened species across the globe. Through the Indianapolis Prize, we are proud to shine a light on these conservation heroes whose work gives us hope for the future of our planet's vulnerable species."
Meet the Finalists
The following individuals have been selected as finalists for this year’s award:
1. Alberto Alves Campos (Aquasis, Brazil, and University of British Columbia, Canada)
As a conservation biologist, Campos is a co-founder of Aquasis, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the protection of endangered species and habitats in Brazil. His efforts have notably improved the conservation status of the Antillean manatee and established a reserve network for the endangered Red knot.
2. Dr. Lisa Dabek (Tree Kangaroo Conservation Program, Papua New Guinea, and Woodland Park Zoo, USA)
Dr. Dabek has pioneered the first conservation area in Papua New Guinea centered on tree kangaroos. Through her program, she collaborates with local communities and governments to implement sustainable conservation strategies for this unique species.
3. Dr. Biruté Mary Galdikas (Orangutan Foundation International, USA)
A leading figure in orangutan research, Dr. Galdikas has been instrumental in releasing more than 500 rehabilitated orangutans back into their natural habitat. Her extensive studies have provided profound insights into orangutan ecology and conservation needs.
4. Julie Packard (Monterey Bay Aquarium, USA)
As a prominent advocate for marine conservation, Packard has made significant contributions to the sustainable seafood movement. Under her leadership, the Monterey Bay Aquarium has emerged as a powerful voice in ocean protections, influencing science-based policies aimed at ecosystem sustainability.
5. Dr. Lily-Arison René de Roland (The Peregrine Fund, Madagascar)
Revolutionizing conservation efforts in Madagascar, Dr. René de Roland has played a key role in establishing protected areas and conducting groundbreaking research. His efforts have led to the discovery of new species while promoting community-based conservation practices.
6. Dr. Lee James Taylor White (Institute for Tropical Ecology Research, Gabon, and University of Stirling, Scotland)
With a dedication of over four decades, Dr. White’s conservation work focuses on the critically endangered African forest elephant. His research and advocacy have contributed to the establishment of national parks and have been vital in combatting habitat loss.
Looking Ahead
The 2025 Indianapolis Prize winner will be announced in May and will receive an impressive $250,000 to further their work. Both the winner and the DeHaan Finalists will be honored at the Indianapolis Prize Gala scheduled for September 27, 2025, in downtown Indianapolis, during an event presented by Cummins, Inc.
By applauding the efforts of these remarkable conservationists, the Indianapolis Prize continues to highlight the essential work being done to protect our planet's biodiversity, inspiring others to join the fight for wildlife conservation.
For more information about the Indianapolis Prize and past winners, please visit IndianapolisPrize.org.
Celebrating 20 Years of Impact
As the world's foremost award for animal conservation, the Indianapolis Prize is set to celebrate its 20th anniversary. It acknowledges individuals who lead groundbreaking initiatives that protect species and their habitats. Since its inception, the prize has awarded over $7 million to conservationists worldwide, enhancing public awareness and providing crucial financial backing for their projects.
Dr. Rob Shumaker, the president and CEO of the Indianapolis Zoological Society, underscored the significance of this award: "These six extraordinary conservationists have achieved tangible results in safeguarding threatened species across the globe. Through the Indianapolis Prize, we are proud to shine a light on these conservation heroes whose work gives us hope for the future of our planet's vulnerable species."
Meet the Finalists
The following individuals have been selected as finalists for this year’s award:
1. Alberto Alves Campos (Aquasis, Brazil, and University of British Columbia, Canada)
As a conservation biologist, Campos is a co-founder of Aquasis, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the protection of endangered species and habitats in Brazil. His efforts have notably improved the conservation status of the Antillean manatee and established a reserve network for the endangered Red knot.
2. Dr. Lisa Dabek (Tree Kangaroo Conservation Program, Papua New Guinea, and Woodland Park Zoo, USA)
Dr. Dabek has pioneered the first conservation area in Papua New Guinea centered on tree kangaroos. Through her program, she collaborates with local communities and governments to implement sustainable conservation strategies for this unique species.
3. Dr. Biruté Mary Galdikas (Orangutan Foundation International, USA)
A leading figure in orangutan research, Dr. Galdikas has been instrumental in releasing more than 500 rehabilitated orangutans back into their natural habitat. Her extensive studies have provided profound insights into orangutan ecology and conservation needs.
4. Julie Packard (Monterey Bay Aquarium, USA)
As a prominent advocate for marine conservation, Packard has made significant contributions to the sustainable seafood movement. Under her leadership, the Monterey Bay Aquarium has emerged as a powerful voice in ocean protections, influencing science-based policies aimed at ecosystem sustainability.
5. Dr. Lily-Arison René de Roland (The Peregrine Fund, Madagascar)
Revolutionizing conservation efforts in Madagascar, Dr. René de Roland has played a key role in establishing protected areas and conducting groundbreaking research. His efforts have led to the discovery of new species while promoting community-based conservation practices.
6. Dr. Lee James Taylor White (Institute for Tropical Ecology Research, Gabon, and University of Stirling, Scotland)
With a dedication of over four decades, Dr. White’s conservation work focuses on the critically endangered African forest elephant. His research and advocacy have contributed to the establishment of national parks and have been vital in combatting habitat loss.
Looking Ahead
The 2025 Indianapolis Prize winner will be announced in May and will receive an impressive $250,000 to further their work. Both the winner and the DeHaan Finalists will be honored at the Indianapolis Prize Gala scheduled for September 27, 2025, in downtown Indianapolis, during an event presented by Cummins, Inc.
By applauding the efforts of these remarkable conservationists, the Indianapolis Prize continues to highlight the essential work being done to protect our planet's biodiversity, inspiring others to join the fight for wildlife conservation.
For more information about the Indianapolis Prize and past winners, please visit IndianapolisPrize.org.
Topics Environment）
【About Using Articles】
You can freely use the title and article content by linking to the page where the article is posted.
※ Images cannot be used.
【About Links】
Links are free to use.