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Indianapolis Prize 2025: Honoring Conservation Champions

The Indianapolis Prize has announced its esteemed DeHaan finalists for the 2025 award, spotlighting six remarkable individuals dedicated to environmental conservation. This biennial award aims to recognize and support those who have made significant contributions to animal species preservation and sustainability. The selected finalists each receive a $50,000 award to further their vital conservation work.

As the prize celebrates its 20th anniversary, it remains the world’s preeminent award for animal protection, acknowledging the heroes who lead the charge in species research and protection efforts. From a field of 44 qualified nominees, these individuals were chosen based on their measurable achievements, innovative scientific application, and their demonstrated ability to collaborate across sectors.

Dr. Rob Shumaker, President and CEO of the Indianapolis Zoological Society, expressed his pride in highlighting the unwavering dedication of these six champions: "These extraordinary conservationists have delivered tangible results in protecting endangered species globally. Through the Indianapolis Prize, we proudly shine a light on these ecological heroes whose endeavors impart hope for the future of our planet’s vulnerable species."

Meet the 2025 DeHaan Finalists

1. Alberto Alves Campos (Aquasis, Brazil, and University of British Columbia, Canada) – As a conservation biologist and founder of Aquasis, Campos has made significant strides in the conservation status of the Antillean manatee in Brazil. He has also developed sites for the Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network to support the endangered red knot.

2. Dr. Lisa Dabek (Tree Kangaroo Conservation Program, Papua New Guinea, and Woodland Park Zoo, USA) – A pioneering force in establishing the first protected area in Papua New Guinea focused on tree kangaroos, Dabek collaborates with indigenous communities and regional governments to formulate long-term protective plans for this unique species.

3. Dr. Biruté Mary Galdikas (Orangutan Foundation International, USA) – A seminal figure in orangutan research, Galdikas is credited with documenting critical aspects of orangutan ecology, including their long reproductive intervals and diverse diets. As the president of Orangutan Foundation International, she has supported the rehabilitation and release of over 500 orangutans back into the wild.

4. Julie Packard (Monterey Bay Aquarium, USA) – An international leader in ocean conservation, Packard's efforts have driven the sustainable seafood movement. As the founding CEO of the Monterey Bay Aquarium, she advocates for science-informed policy reforms to ensure the health of marine ecosystems.

5. Dr. Lily-Arison René de Roland (The Peregrine Fund, Madagascar) – Dedicated to transforming conservation practices in Madagascar, René de Roland has been instrumental in establishing five national protected areas. His community-based models address human-wildlife conflict while safeguarding endangered species.

6. Dr. Lee James Taylor White (Tropical Ecology Research Institute, Gabon, and University of Stirling, Scotland) – With over 40 years of field ecological research, White has focused his studies on the critically endangered African forest elephant and its ecological role in the Congo Basin. His efforts have led to extensive population assessments, habitat protection initiatives, and the establishment of new national parks in Gabon.

The winner of the 2025 Indianapolis Prize will be announced in May and will receive a substantial $250,000 award. This individual, along with the DeHaan finalists, will be honored at the Indianapolis Prize Gala on September 27, 2025, presented by Cummins Inc., in downtown Indianapolis.

A Legacy of Impact

Since its inception in 2006, the Indianapolis Prize has awarded over $7 million in unrestricted cash to advance the work of conservation scientists through financial support and public recognition. This initiative, led by the Indianapolis Zoological Society, Inc., continues to play a crucial role in promoting sustainability efforts globally.

For additional press resources regarding the DeHaan finalists for the 2025 Indianapolis Prize, please visit IndianapolisPrize.org. This prestigious award represents a beacon of hope for wildlife conservationists committed to safeguarding species for future generations, connecting audiences on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.