Who Do You Know Worth $100,000?

By Maura Giles

Indianapolis, IN - The $100,000 Indianapolis Prize was initiated by the Indianapolis Zoo as a significant component of its mission to inspire local and global communities to celebrate, protect, and preserve our natural world through conservation, education and research. This biennial award brings the world’s attention to the cause of animal conservation and the brave, talented and dedicated men and women who spend their lives saving the Earth’s endangered animal species.

The fast-approaching deadline for nominations for the 2010 Indianapolis Prize is December 1, 2008. The Indianapolis Prize is the world’s leading award given to an individual animal conservationist who has made significant achievements in advancing the sustainability of an animal species or group of species. The $100,000 biennial award brings the world’s attention to the cause of animal conservation and the talented, dedicated and accomplished men and women who spend their lives saving the world’s endangered species. It represents the largest individual monetary award for animal conservation in the world and is given as an unrestricted gift to the chosen recipient.

The nominating process for the 2010 Indianapolis Prize has been simplified, and those interested in making a nomination should send an email to nomination@indianapolisprize.org for the instructions on how to nominate a deserving conservationist for this prestigious award.

The recipient is also awarded the Lilly Medal, an original work of art that signifies the winner’s contributions to conserving some of the world’s most threatened animals. The Indianapolis Prize was first awarded in 2006 to Dr. George Archibald, co-founder of the International Crane Foundation, who, through his decades of work, has contributed significantly to the preservation of the world’s 15 surviving species of cranes. The 2008 honoree was Dr. George Schaller of the Wildlife Conservation Society and the world’s pre-eminent field biologist. Both of the Prize recipients to date were presented with their awards at the Indianapolis Prize Gala presented by the AES Corporation, the date of which for the 2010 event is set on September 27.

The following simple rules apply:

* Any individual may nominate a candidate for the Indianapolis Prize.
* To be accepted as Nominees, individuals must have accomplished a personal achievement or series of achievements that have resulted in a demonstrable positive impact on an animal species or group of species that is likely to improve the species’ likelihood of long-term sustainability.
* Nominees may not be employees, Board Members, or volunteer staff of the Indianapolis Zoo. Immediate family members of the Nominating Committee, Jury, Indianapolis Zoo employees, Board Members, and volunteer staff are also ineligible.
* The recipient of the 2010 Indianapolis Prize will receive a $100,000 unrestricted personal cash award.

For complete information on the Prize, including the outstanding conservationists who have been nominated in past years, visit www.indianapolisprize.org.