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Nominations are coming in for next year’s challenge!
Uproar for Species Survival is an initiative from the Indianapolis Zoo designed to spark curiosity, inspire learning and mobilize action for the planet’s most vulnerable species. In partnership with conservationists around the world, the Zoo identifies a collection of at-risk animals, plants and fungi—many lesser-known, yet critically important to the health of their ecosystems and the planet.
As the nominations come in, 64 fascinating species will make up the 2027 Uproar Conservation Challenge in April. We’ll announce the field in the coming months and how you can vote to help your favorite win a part of more than $50,000 in conservation funding, including a $10,000 grand prize for the Champion!
For three weeks, the public is invited to make their voices heard in an online, head-to-head voting challenge, helping species advance round by round toward a single champion. Through this initiative, the Zoo will grant more than $50,000 in conservation funding, supporting conservationists and their efforts behind all the species represented this year. No species leaves empty-handed.
One species will rise above the rest and be crowned the Uproar champion, earning a $10,000 grand prize directed to the Species Specialist Group working to safeguard its future.
Image: Nguru Spiny Pygmy Chameleon (Rhampholeon acuminatus). Photo by Daniel Zupanc.
The Uproar Conservation Challenge will culminate on Saturday, May 1 at a Celebration for Conservation event at the Zoo, with a live announcement of the champion species. The event is free for Zoo members and included with admission.
The 2026 Champion
1.3 million votes. 200+ countries and territories. 64 species worth roaring for.
After three weeks of global competition, the Bolivian Ornate Tiger Beetle emerged as the 2026 Uproar Conservation Challenge champion, earning more than 300,000 votes in the final round and $10,000 in conservation funding.
But every vote made an impact. Together, Uproar supporters helped direct $55,000 to conservation efforts for threatened and endangered species around the world.
Thank you for creating an Uproar for conservation and helping species come roaring back.
Photo credit: Robert Perger