Celebrating Dr. Lily-Arison René de Roland: A Champion of Madagascar's Biodiversity at the 2025 Indianapolis Prize Gala

On September 27, 2025, the Indianapolis Zoo will hold a gala event to honor Dr. Lily-Arison René de Roland, the recipient of the prestigious Indianapolis Prize. This award is widely recognized as the top global accolade for animal conservation and is bestowed by the Indianapolis Zoo every two years.

Dr. René de Roland, a pivotal figure in the conservation of Madagascar, has made extraordinary contributions to biodiversity initiatives within his home country. His groundbreaking work is reshaping conservation strategies and creating innovative frameworks for community-based species protection within one of the planet's most fragile ecosystems.

This year's celebration also marks the 20th anniversary of the Indianapolis Prize. Over its two-decade history, the Prize has allocated more than $7.5 million to conservationists across the globe, supporting various wildlife protection initiatives. According to Dr. Rob Shumaker, President and CEO of the Indianapolis Zoo, “Dr. René de Roland exemplifies what we’ve learned over the past two decades: lasting conservation hinges on local leadership and community collaboration. We are proud to celebrate his significant accomplishments.”

In 2006, Dr. René de Roland's team rediscovered the Madagascar duck, a species thought to be extinct for 40 years, during an expedition in the remote wetlands of northern Madagascar. This discovery shed light on the potential survival of so-called “lost” species in Madagascar. As the National Director of the Madagascar Program for the Peregrine Fund, he leads a team of Malagasy conservationists and has established five protected areas totaling over 2,800 square kilometers of critical habitat. Furthermore, he has mentored hundreds of Malagasy conservationists who have earned 90 master's degrees and 16 doctorates.

“My work is inspired by my pride in the biodiversity of my country and my love for its wonderful people,” said Dr. René de Roland. “I am grateful to work alongside so many dedicated Malagasy who deeply care about protecting our home.”

Among the finalists for this year’s Indianapolis Prize is Mwezi “Badru” Mugerwa, a Ugandan researcher recognized as the 2025 Indianapolis Prize Emerging Conservationist. Mugerwa has earned acclaim for leading a pioneering community-centered approach to protecting the elusive African golden cat—one of Africa’s lesser-known species. His organization, Embaka, has enrolled over 2,200 community members into conservation programs that address local needs, from healthcare to livestock, in exchange for commitments to halt poaching. This initiative has extended to 19 African countries through the African Golden Cat Conservation Alliance.

“Once you’re in the communities and understand the problem, solutions become evident,” commented Mugerwa. “Having a national park nearby should not be a burden but an opportunity.”

The gala will be hosted by acclaimed journalist Anne Thompson, who is a former presenter of the Indianapolis Prize Gala, alongside conservationist and television producer Saba Douglas-Hamilton. Indiana native, Josh Kaufman, known for his victory in the sixth season of NBC’s “The Voice,” will also be performing at the event. The gala is presented in part by Cummins Inc.

About the Indianapolis Prize

The Indianapolis Prize recognizes and rewards conservationists who have made significant strides in furthering the sustainability of one or more animal species. The Emerging Conservationist Award, introduced in 2023, is granted to a conservationist aged 40 or younger. Since its inception in 2004, the Indianapolis Prize has awarded over $7.5 million in unrestricted cash prizes, amplifying the efforts of conservation scientists through financial support and public awareness. This award is a conservation initiative of the Indianapolis Zoo. Connect with the Prize on Facebook, X, Instagram, and indianapolisprize.org.

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