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- Plan Your Visit
- Meet The Animals
- Check Out Events
- Memberships
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- Conservation
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- Groups & Private Events
- Zoo Blog
- Contact
- Zoo Store
- Indianapolis Prize
- Global Center for Species Survival
Create an Uproar In Your Classroom
The Uproar Conservation Challenge brings 64 fascinating and vulnerable species from around the world into a global, head-to-head voting challenge. It’s a chance for students to discover species they’ve probably never heard of, learn why they matter and see how people around the world are working to protect them.
The 64 species for 2027 are being selected now, and we’re developing new educational resources to help bring Uproar Conservation Challenge into classrooms across the country.
Sign up to get updates when the species are announced, along with educational materials,classroom ideas and important dates.
Learn. Wonder. Create an Uproar.
The Uproar Conservation Challenge gives students a chance to discover fascinating species that rarely get the spotlight. These aren’t giant pandas or African lions. They’re the species that make you stop and say, “Wait…what is that?”
Last year’s field included vibrant species like the Barbie pagoda fungus and Alexandra’s birdwing, a butterfly with a wingspan as wide as your hands. Miniature marvels like the Nguru spiny pygmy chameleon and spiky yellow woodlouse. And unusual species of familiar animals like the African penguin, the Vaquita porpoise and the hairy-nosed otter.
These are the species that can surprise students, spark questions and make the natural world feel a whole lot bigger.
Behind every species are people working to protect it. Throughout Uproar, students will get to hear directly from the researchers and conservationists who know these species best. Through videos, photos and stories from the field, they’ll see the people behind the science, learn why these species matter and discover what it takes to help protect them.
These firsthand stories can help students see conservation in a whole new way and understand that making a difference can start with something as simple as learning, caring and taking action.
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.