INDIANAPOLIS — The Indianapolis Zoo on Wednesday announced the six international finalists for the world’s leading conservation award, The Indianapolis Prize, presented by Columbus-based Cummins Inc. Finalists were nominated for their commitment to protecting endangered primates, big cats, penguins and sea turtles.
The coveted award is presented once every two years in recognition of successful conservationists who have achieved significant milestones in saving species. The prize includes an unrestricted $250,000 cash award.
According to prize organizers, the winner of the 2023 Indianapolis Prize will be announced in May and will receive their award on Sept. 30 at the Indianapolis Prize Gala presented by Cummins. The gala will be co-hosted by Anne Thompson, NBC News’ chief environmental affairs correspondent, and Danni Washington, founder of the nonprofit Big Blue & You and a science communicator and influencer.
Finalists for the 2023 Indianapolis Prize are:
- Christophe Boesch, Ph.D., of the Max Planck Institute of Evolutionary Anthropology and the Wild Chimpanzee Foundation in Germany, for work in protecting chimpanzees.
- Pablo Borboroglu, Ph.D., of the Global Penguin Society in Argentina, for work protecting penguins.
- Gerardo Ceballos, Ph.D., of the Institute of Ecology, National Autonomous University of Mexico, for work protecting Jaguars.
- Karen Eckert, Ph.D., of the Wider Caribbean Sea Turtle Conservation Network, Untied States, for work protecting sea turtles.
- Birute Mary Galdikas, Ph.D., of the Orangutan Foundation International, United States, for work protecting orangutans.
- Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka, DVM, of Conservation Through Public Health, Uganda, for work protecting mountain gorillas.
A nine-person committee with ties to the scientific and conservation communities, the Indianapolis Zoological society and local community selected the six finalists.
“The Indianapolis Prize makes tremendous contributions to advancing conservation efforts around the world by providing a bigger platform for conservationists to reach members of the public and policymakers,” said 2021 Indianapolis Prize Winner and 2023 Indianapolis Prize Jury Member Dr. Amanda Vincent. “This year’s finalists are impressive not only in their dedication to saving species, but also in their huge determination to achieve an impact despite the pandemic and global conflicts. Their commitment is both admirable and inspiring.”
In addition to Cummins, other presenters and sponsors include Eli Lilly & Co., The Heritage Group, Kobe Foundation, PNC Bank, Polly H. Hix and WTHR-13. More information about the Indianapolis Prize and this year’s finalists is available indianapoliszoo.com/prize.
