A Global Conversation
With Emerging Conservationist Mwezi “Badru” Mugerwa
The Wild Needs Heroes. The World Needs to Know Their Names.
Don’t miss your chance to hear directly from Mwezi “Badru” Mugerwa, Emerging Conservationist Winner for the Indianapolis Prize—the world’s leading award for animal conservation. Mugerwa will share his groundbreaking work protecting the elusive African golden cat—from founding the first community-based anti-poaching project in Uganda to leading a continent-wide conservation alliance. Don’t miss his inspiring story.
Oct. 1, 2025 at 3:30pm
Indiana University | President Hall, Franklin Hall
601 E. Kirkwood Ave., Bloomington, IN 47405
Presented by the Indianapolis Zoo, this event is free to the public. RSVP is not required.
Mugerwa is a Ugandan conservationist and researcher and is the founder and director of Embaka, a grassroots community-based conservation organization focused on the preservation of the African golden cat. He established the first-ever community-based anti-poaching conservation project focused on the African golden cat at Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park in Uganda. Mugerwa also created the African Golden Cat Conservation Alliance (AGCCA), a network of African nationals implementing conservation activities for the African golden cat across the species range. Additionally, Mugerwa serves as the president of the Society for Conservation Biology’s Africa Region and is the president-elect for the Society for Conservation Biology Global.
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.