Engage with Conservationists
Outreach Events
In the weeks surrounding the Indianapolis Prize Gala, the Winner and DeHaan Finalists, along with previous Honorees, participate in a series of events that are designed to connect world-renowned conservationists with influential individuals, emerging leaders, prospective scientists, youth and Indianapolis Zoo members.
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 Conservationists and other Honorees in attendance.
Meet a Hero is free for Indianapolis Zoo member and included with regular admission. The event is held in the Ascension St. Vincent Dolphin Pavillon at the Indianapolis Zoo.
The Indianapolis Prize Speaker Series provides an inspirational and educational platform for young inquisitive minds, the public and professionals in our community to understand the work and determination it takes to save a species. Participants learn what inspired the Winner to become a scientist and how they raised awareness for our planet’s biodiversity. Guests have the opportunity to ask questions about the challenges, struggles and successes the Winner has faced through their career.
Full University List Below
Named in honor of Indianapolis Prize founder Michael I. Crowther, the Conservation Forum appeals to business professionals and community leaders by providing an opportunity to learn how global conservationists successfully implemented leadership in uncommon and challenging environments.
In 2023, 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.
The 2025 Michael I. Crowther Conservation Forum will be held on Thursday, Sept. 25, 2025, at 5:30pm, at the Indianapolis Art Center, 820 E 67th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46220.
2025 Indianapolis Prize Outreach Events
DePauw University featuring Emerging Conservationist Badru Mugerwa
Date: Thursday, Sept. 25 Time: 11:30am
Location: Memorial Student Union Ballroom, 408 S Locust St. ● Greencastle, IN
Purdue University, College of Veterinary Medicine featuring Emerging Conservationist Badru Mugerwa
Date: Monday, Sept. 29 Time: 10:30am
Location: College of Veterinary Medicine, 625 Harrison St ● West Lafayette, IN
Butler University, Woods Lecture Series featuring Indianapolis Prize Winner Dr. Lily-Arison René de Roland
Date: Monday, Sept. 29. Time: 7:30pm
Location: Schrott Center for the Arts, 610 W 46th St. ● Indianapolis, IN
Ball State University featuring Emerging Conservationist Badru Mugerwa
Date: Tuesday, Sept. 30. Time: 11:00am
Location: Sursa Hall, 1809 W Riverside Ave ● Muncie, IN
Franklin College featuring Indianapolis Prize Winner Dr. Lily-Arison René de Roland
Date: Tuesday, Sept. 30 Time: 7:00pm
Location: Napolitan Student Center, 253 S Forsythe St ● Franklin, IN
All Gala and event attendees agree to allow their likeness to be recorded and used by the Indianapolis Zoological Society, Inc. and its affiliates in photos/video.