A Global Conversation
With Indianapolis Prize Winner Dr. Lily-Arison René de Roland
The Wild Needs Heroes. The World Needs to Know Their Names.
Don’t miss your chance to hear directly from Dr. Lily-Arison René de Roland, Winner of the world’s leading award for animal conservation—the Indianapolis Prize. Dr. René de Roland will share his remarkable journey from rediscovering species in Madagascar once thought to be extinct, to protecting critical habitats, to earning global recognition for his work.
Sept. 30, 2025 at 7pm
Franklin College | Napolitan Student Center
253 S. Forsythe St., Franklin, IN 46131
Presented by the Indianapolis Zoo, this event is free to the public. RSVP is not required.
Dr. Lily’s contribution to the discovery of a variety of species is substantial, including the rediscovery of the Madagascar pochard, a rare duck thought to be extinct since the 1990s. He and his team rediscovered the species during a challenging expedition to a remote area of northern Madagascar in 2006. René de Roland has also contributed to the discovery of two previously undescribed lemur species in northern Madagascar.
Did you know the Indianapolis Zoo presents the most prestigious award in the field of animal conservation? The Indianapolis Prize recognizes extraordinary conservationists who have achieved major victories in saving species. Every two years, the Prize awards $250,000 to one Winner and $50,000 to five DeHaan Finalists and an Emerging Conservationist—honoring their skill, courage and dedication to protecting the planet’s wildlife.