#Conservation #Indianapolis Prize #Lily-Arison René de Roland

Recognizing Dr. Lily-Arison René de Roland at the 2025 Indianapolis Prize Gala

On September 27, 2025, the Indianapolis Zoo will honor Dr. Lily-Arison René de Roland with the prestigious Indianapolis Prize, celebrating his extraordinary contributions to wildlife conservation in Madagascar. The Indianapolis Prize is regarded as the leading global award in animal conservation, presented biennially to individuals whose work has resulted in significant positive impacts on the environment and biodiversity.

The Indianapolis Prize honors a remarkable two decades of recognizing conservation leaders globally, having awarded over $7.5 million to support various wildlife protection initiatives. This year's gala, set to take place in downtown Indianapolis, marks a historic milestone for the prize, as it celebrates its 20th anniversary.

Dr. René de Roland stands out for his innovative approach towards conservation, significantly shaping the framework for community-led biodiversity efforts in Madagascar, an ecosystem under severe threat. His work has led to the establishment of five protected areas, totaling over 1,500 square miles of vital habitat crucial for some of the world's most endangered species. In 2006, his team made headlines by rediscovering the Madagascar pochard, a duck species previously thought to be extinct for 40 years. This momentous discovery underscored the potential for saving species previously deemed