Indianapolis Prize Events

Following the Zoo’s mission to inspire conservation in the local Indianapolis community, Meet a Hero is a special event where Zoo visitors have the opportunity to meet the Prize heroes, who traveled from across the globe, to discover their amazing and inspiring stories.

At the event children and adults can interact with world-renowned scientists and researchers who are helping save wild things and wild places. Designed for families and the young at heart, guests can also participate in fun activities created to teach the importance of protecting endangered species that everyone can help save. As part of the experience the first 2,000 guests will receive a pack of limited-edition conservation collector cards featuring the Prize Winner, DeHaan Finalists, Emerging Conservationist and celebrities in attendance.

Meet a Hero is free for Indianapolis Zoo members and included with regular admission.

Named in honor of Indianapolis Prize founder Michael I. Crowther, the Conservation Forum appeals to business professionals and community leaders by providing them an opportunity to learn how these global conservationists successfully implemented leadership in uncommon and challenging environments.

At the Sept. 28, 2023 event, guests learned about the inspiring journeys of Dr. Pablo Borboroglu, 2023 Indianapolis Prize Winner, and Fanny M. Cornejo, 2023 Emerging Conservationist, as they discussed what they’ve learned from the animals and human residents of some of nature’s wildest places, from Peru to Patagonia and all around the world. Moderator John Ketzenberger of The Nature Conservancy and radio broadcaster Kristi Lee led the conversation and explored the importance of including conservation in public policy and in our own lives.