Celebration of Conservation at the 2025 Indianapolis Prize Gala

Recognition of Conservation Efforts in the Heart of Indianapolis

On September 27, 2025, the Indianapolis Zoo will host a prestigious gala to honor Dr. Lily-Arison René de Roland, the recipient of the Indianapolis Prize 2025. This event not only celebrates Dr. de Roland's remarkable contributions to wildlife conservation in Madagascar but also marks the 20th anniversary of the Indianapolis Prize, a leading global accolade recognizing outstanding achievements in animal protection.

The Indianapolis Prize is awarded biennially and has distributed over $7.5 million in funds to conservationists worldwide since its inception. The prize seeks to inspire sustainable practices backed by community efforts. "Dr. René de Roland embodies our learnings over two decades; effective conservation arises from local initiatives and partnerships," states Dr. Rob Shumaker, President, and CEO of the Indianapolis Zoo.

A Journey of Rediscovery

Dr. Lily-Arison René de Roland's journey began on a fateful expedition in 2006, where her team rediscovered the Madagascar moorhen—a species thought to have been lost for 40 years. This significant find revealed the potential for salvaging Madagascar's 'lost' species. As the National Director of the Madagascar Program for The Peregrine Fund, Dr. de Roland has spearheaded efforts that led to the establishment of five national reserves covering over 1,500 square miles of critical habitats. Her dedication is evident in the mentorship she provides, having guided numerous Malagasy conservationists who have earned advanced degrees.

Dr. de Roland is proud of her heritage and feels inspired by the rich biodiversity of her homeland and its people. "I am grateful for the opportunity to work alongside people who are genuinely invested in protecting our natural resources," she expresses.

Honoring Emerging Conservation Leaders

Alongside Dr. de Roland, the gala will also recognize Mwezi "Badru" Mugerwa, the 2025 Indianapolis Prize Emerging Conservationist. At just 40 years old, Mugerwa has been acknowledged for his innovative community-based approach to safeguarding the elusive African golden cat—one of Africa's most enigmatic species. His organization, Embaka, has engaged over 2,200 local community members in conservation initiatives that address various local needs, ranging from health care to livestock management, effectively combating poaching.

Mugerwa's efforts have expanded across 19 African nations through the African Golden Cat Conservation Alliance. "Understanding the local context leads to clear solutions. Having a national park nearby should be seen not as a burden, but as an opportunity," Mugerwa notes, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in conservation efforts.

A Celebration of Accomplishment

The gala promises to be a star-studded event, moderated by renowned journalist Anne Thompson and conservationist Saba Douglas-Hamilton. Entertainment will feature Josh Kaufman, the Indianapolis native and winner of NBC's "The Voice." The event is proudly sponsored by Cummins Inc., further highlighting the importance of corporate support in conservation endeavors.

With Dr. René de Roland's groundbreaking work and Mwezi Mugerwa's emerging leadership, this gala is not just a celebration of past achievements but a call to action for future conservation efforts worldwide. The Indianapolis Prize continues to represent a beacon of hope for species preservation, ensuring that the legacy of conservation champions endures for years to come.