Six Distinguished Conservationists Announced as Finalists for the Indianapolis Prize 2025
The Indianapolis Prize has introduced six exceptional conservationists as DeHaan Finalists for its prestigious 2025 award. This biennial prize celebrates individuals who have made remarkable contributions in preserving animal species or groups. Each finalist will receive a grant of $50,000 to support their ongoing efforts in conservation. Celebrating its 20th anniversary, the Indianapolis Prize has become a global leader in recognizing animal conservation initiatives and acknowledges those at the forefront of protecting endangered species and conducting pioneering research.
The 2025 finalists were selected from a pool of 44 candidates based on measurable outcomes from their endeavors, the quality of applied science in their efforts, and their spirit of collaboration. Rob Shumaker, President and CEO of the Indianapolis Zoo, expressed, “These extraordinary defenders of nature have achieved tangible results in safeguarding threatened species worldwide. Through the Indianapolis Prize, we are proud to spotlight these conservation heroes whose work inspires hope for the future of vulnerable species on our planet.”
1. Alberto Alves Campos (Aquasis, Brazil & University of British Columbia, Canada) - As a conservation biologist and founder of Aquasis, a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of endangered species and habitats in Brazil, Campos has significantly improved the conservation status of the Antillean manatee. He also established a reserve network for shorebirds in the Western Hemisphere, highlighting the wintering regions of the threatened sanderling.
2. Lisa Dabek, Ph.D. (Tree Kangaroo Conservation Program, Papua New Guinea & Woodland Park Zoo, USA) - As the creator of the first conservation area for tree kangaroos in Papua New Guinea, Dr. Dabek collaborates with local indigenous communities and regional governments to develop long-term conservation plans for these unique species.
3. Biruté Mary Galdikas, Ph.D. (Orangutan Foundation International, USA) - Known for her groundbreaking research on orangutans, Dr. Galdikas has documented the prolonged birth intervals of these primates and cataloged over 400 food types consumed by them. As the co-founder and president of the Orangutan Foundation International, she has rehabilitated over 500 orangutans for reintroduction into the wild, contributing invaluable information on orangutan ecology.
4. Julie Packard (Monterey Bay Aquarium, USA) - An internationally recognized leader in ocean conservation, Packard is dedicated to protecting marine species and ecosystems. She spearheaded the movement for sustainable seafood products, developing a science-based, market-driven program. As the founding executive director of the Monterey Bay Aquarium, she advocates for scientifically informed policy reforms ensuring ocean health.
5. Lily-Arison René de Roland, Ph.D. (The Peregrine Fund, Madagascar) - Dr. René de Roland has transformed conservation efforts in Madagascar by establishing five national protected areas covering approximately 1,550 square miles. His work has led to discoveries of new species, including the Madagascar teal and various lemurs while fostering community models that alleviate human-wildlife conflicts.
6. Lee James Taylor White, Ph.D. (Tropical Ecology Research Institute, Gabon & University of Stirling, Scotland) - With 40 years of fieldwork and advocacy, Dr. White focuses on the critically endangered African forest elephant and its essential ecological role in the Congo Basin. He has led comprehensive population assessments, fought habitat loss, created a network of 13 national parks, and founded new collaborations to protect half of the world’s forest elephants.
The winner of the Indianapolis Prize 2025, who will receive a grand total of $250,000, will be unveiled in May. Both the winner and the DeHaan finalists will be honored at the Indianapolis Prize Gala on September 27, 2025, hosted by Cummins, Inc. in downtown Indianapolis.
For further details regarding the 2025 DeHaan Finalists, visit the Indianapolis Prize website. Since 2006, the Indianapolis Prize has distributed over $7 million in unrestricted funds to advance the work of conservation scientists through financial support and public awareness. The initiative is a hallmark of conservation led by the Indianapolis Zoo.
Stay connected with the Indianapolis Prize on Facebook, X, and Instagram for updates.
The 2025 finalists were selected from a pool of 44 candidates based on measurable outcomes from their endeavors, the quality of applied science in their efforts, and their spirit of collaboration. Rob Shumaker, President and CEO of the Indianapolis Zoo, expressed, “These extraordinary defenders of nature have achieved tangible results in safeguarding threatened species worldwide. Through the Indianapolis Prize, we are proud to spotlight these conservation heroes whose work inspires hope for the future of vulnerable species on our planet.”
Meet the Finalists
1. Alberto Alves Campos (Aquasis, Brazil & University of British Columbia, Canada) - As a conservation biologist and founder of Aquasis, a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of endangered species and habitats in Brazil, Campos has significantly improved the conservation status of the Antillean manatee. He also established a reserve network for shorebirds in the Western Hemisphere, highlighting the wintering regions of the threatened sanderling.
2. Lisa Dabek, Ph.D. (Tree Kangaroo Conservation Program, Papua New Guinea & Woodland Park Zoo, USA) - As the creator of the first conservation area for tree kangaroos in Papua New Guinea, Dr. Dabek collaborates with local indigenous communities and regional governments to develop long-term conservation plans for these unique species.
3. Biruté Mary Galdikas, Ph.D. (Orangutan Foundation International, USA) - Known for her groundbreaking research on orangutans, Dr. Galdikas has documented the prolonged birth intervals of these primates and cataloged over 400 food types consumed by them. As the co-founder and president of the Orangutan Foundation International, she has rehabilitated over 500 orangutans for reintroduction into the wild, contributing invaluable information on orangutan ecology.
4. Julie Packard (Monterey Bay Aquarium, USA) - An internationally recognized leader in ocean conservation, Packard is dedicated to protecting marine species and ecosystems. She spearheaded the movement for sustainable seafood products, developing a science-based, market-driven program. As the founding executive director of the Monterey Bay Aquarium, she advocates for scientifically informed policy reforms ensuring ocean health.
5. Lily-Arison René de Roland, Ph.D. (The Peregrine Fund, Madagascar) - Dr. René de Roland has transformed conservation efforts in Madagascar by establishing five national protected areas covering approximately 1,550 square miles. His work has led to discoveries of new species, including the Madagascar teal and various lemurs while fostering community models that alleviate human-wildlife conflicts.
6. Lee James Taylor White, Ph.D. (Tropical Ecology Research Institute, Gabon & University of Stirling, Scotland) - With 40 years of fieldwork and advocacy, Dr. White focuses on the critically endangered African forest elephant and its essential ecological role in the Congo Basin. He has led comprehensive population assessments, fought habitat loss, created a network of 13 national parks, and founded new collaborations to protect half of the world’s forest elephants.
The winner of the Indianapolis Prize 2025, who will receive a grand total of $250,000, will be unveiled in May. Both the winner and the DeHaan finalists will be honored at the Indianapolis Prize Gala on September 27, 2025, hosted by Cummins, Inc. in downtown Indianapolis.
For further details regarding the 2025 DeHaan Finalists, visit the Indianapolis Prize website. Since 2006, the Indianapolis Prize has distributed over $7 million in unrestricted funds to advance the work of conservation scientists through financial support and public awareness. The initiative is a hallmark of conservation led by the Indianapolis Zoo.
Stay connected with the Indianapolis Prize on Facebook, X, and Instagram for updates.
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