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INDIANAPOLIS, Sept. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- On September 27, the Indianapolis Zoo will celebrate the work of 2025 Indianapolis Prize Winner Dr. Lily-Arison René de Roland at a gala in downtown Indianapolis. The world's leading award for animal conservation, the Indianapolis Prize is awarded by the Indianapolis Zoo every two years. Dr. René de Roland is being recognized for his groundbreaking work in his native Madagascar where his discoveries have revolutionized biodiversity efforts and have created a new model for community-led species protection in one of Earth's most threatened ecosystems.
This year's celebration also marks 20 years of the Indianapolis Prize. A global conservation initiative of the Indianapolis Zoo, the Indianapolis Prize has awarded more than $7.5 million to conservationists across the globe to support the protection of wildlife.
"Dr. René de Roland exemplifies what we've learned after two decades of the Indianapolis Prize, that lasting conservation comes from local leadership and community partnership. We are proud to honor his significant achievements," said Dr. Rob Shumaker, President & CEO of the Indianapolis Zoo.
In 2006, Dr. René de Roland's team rediscovered the Madagascar pochard, a duck species thought to be extinct for 40 years, during an expedition to the remote wetlands of northern Madagascar. The find proved some of Madagascar's "lost" species could still be saved. As National Director of The Peregrine Fund's Madagascar Program, Dr. René de Roland leads a team of Malagasy conservationists and has established five national protected areas encompassing more than 1,500 square miles of critical habitat. He also has mentored hundreds of Malagasy conservationists, who have earned 90 master's degrees and 16 doctoral degrees.
"My work is inspired by my pride for my country's biodiversity and my love for its wonderful people," Dr. René de Roland said. "I am grateful to work alongside so many dedicated Malagasy people who care deeply about protecting our home."
Dr. René de Roland was selected from six DeHaan Finalists representing conservation efforts across four continents: Alberto Alves Campos (Aquasis); Lisa Dabek, Ph.D. (Tree Kangaroo Conservation Program); Julie E. Packard (Monterey Bay Aquarium); Lee James Taylor White, Ph.D. (Research Institute for Tropical Ecology); and Biruté Mary Galdikas, Ph.D. (Orangutan Foundation International). The winner of the Indianapolis Prize receives $250,000 and each DeHaan Finalist receives $50,000.
2025 Emerging Conservationist
Also recognized at the Gala will be the 2025 Indianapolis Prize Emerging Conservationist, Ugandan researcher Mwezi "Badru" Mugerwa. Mugerwa is the second recipient of the Emerging Conservationist Award—an honor given to an individual age 40 or under who is working to save a species or group of species. Mugerwa was recognized for pioneering an innovative, community-based approach to protecting the elusive African golden cat, one of Africa's least-known species.
Mugerwa's organization, Embaka, has registered more than 2,200 community members in conservation programs that address local needs—from healthcare to livestock—in exchange for anti-poaching commitments. This program has expanded to 19 African countries through the African Golden Cat Conservation Alliance.
"Once you're in the communities and you understand the problem, the solutions become clear," Mugerwa said. "Having a national park in your backyard shouldn't be a burden—it's an opportunity."
Award-winning journalist and previous Indianapolis Prize Gala host Anne Thompson will host this year's event, along with conservationist and TV producer Saba Douglas-Hamilton. Josh Kaufman, Indianapolis native and winner of Season 6 of NBC's "The Voice," will perform. The event is presented by Cummins Inc.
About the Indianapolis Prize
The Indianapolis Prize recognizes and rewards conservationists who have achieved major victories in advancing the sustainability of an animal species or group of species. The Emerging Conservationist Award, a new accolade in 2023, is given to a conservationist aged 40 or younger. Since 2004, the Indianapolis Prize has awarded more than $7.5 million in unrestricted cash awards, advancing the work of conservation scientists through financial support and public awareness. The Indianapolis Prize is a conservation initiative of the Indianapolis Zoo.
Connect with the Prize on Facebook, X, Instagram and indianapolisprize.org.
Media Contacts
David Hosick
Indianapolis Zoo, Director of Public Relations
317-410-5992
dhosick@indyzoo.com
Camille Pipino
VOX Global
614-588-6488
cpipino@omc.com
INDIANAPOLIS, Sept. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- On September 27, the Indianapolis Zoo will celebrate the work of 2025 Indianapolis Prize Winner Dr. Lily-Arison René de Roland at a gala in downtown Indianapolis. The world's leading award for animal conservation, the Indianapolis Prize is awarded by the Indianapolis Zoo every two years. Dr. René de Roland is being recognized for his groundbreaking work in his native Madagascar where his discoveries have revolutionized biodiversity efforts and have created a new model for community-led species protection in one of Earth's most threatened ecosystems.
This year's celebration also marks 20 years of the Indianapolis Prize. A global conservation initiative of the Indianapolis Zoo, the Indianapolis Prize has awarded more than $7.5 million to conservationists across the globe to support the protection of wildlife.
"Dr. René de Roland exemplifies what we've learned after two decades of the Indianapolis Prize, that lasting conservation comes from local leadership and community partnership. We are proud to honor his significant achievements," said Dr. Rob Shumaker, President & CEO of the Indianapolis Zoo.
In 2006, Dr. René de Roland's team rediscovered the Madagascar pochard, a duck species thought to be extinct for 40 years, during an expedition to the remote wetlands of northern Madagascar. The find proved some of Madagascar's "lost" species could still be saved. As National Director of The Peregrine Fund's Madagascar Program, Dr. René de Roland leads a team of Malagasy conservationists and has established five national protected areas encompassing more than 1,500 square miles of critical habitat. He also has mentored hundreds of Malagasy conservationists, who have earned 90 master's degrees and 16 doctoral degrees.
"My work is inspired by my pride for my country's biodiversity and my love for its wonderful people," Dr. René de Roland said. "I am grateful to work alongside so many dedicated Malagasy people who care deeply about protecting our home."
Dr. René de Roland was selected from six DeHaan Finalists representing conservation efforts across four continents: Alberto Alves Campos (Aquasis); Lisa Dabek, Ph.D. (Tree Kangaroo Conservation Program); Julie E. Packard (Monterey Bay Aquarium); Lee James Taylor White, Ph.D. (Research Institute for Tropical Ecology); and Biruté Mary Galdikas, Ph.D. (Orangutan Foundation International). The winner of the Indianapolis Prize receives $250,000 and each DeHaan Finalist receives $50,000.
2025 Emerging Conservationist
Also recognized at the Gala will be the 2025 Indianapolis Prize Emerging Conservationist, Ugandan researcher Mwezi "Badru" Mugerwa. Mugerwa is the second recipient of the Emerging Conservationist Award—an honor given to an individual age 40 or under who is working to save a species or group of species. Mugerwa was recognized for pioneering an innovative, community-based approach to protecting the elusive African golden cat, one of Africa's least-known species.
Mugerwa's organization, Embaka, has registered more than 2,200 community members in conservation programs that address local needs—from healthcare to livestock—in exchange for anti-poaching commitments. This program has expanded to 19 African countries through the African Golden Cat Conservation Alliance.
"Once you're in the communities and you understand the problem, the solutions become clear," Mugerwa said. "Having a national park in your backyard shouldn't be a burden—it's an opportunity."
Award-winning journalist and previous Indianapolis Prize Gala host Anne Thompson will host this year's event, along with conservationist and TV producer Saba Douglas-Hamilton. Josh Kaufman, Indianapolis native and winner of Season 6 of NBC's "The Voice," will perform. The event is presented by Cummins Inc.
About the Indianapolis Prize
The Indianapolis Prize recognizes and rewards conservationists who have achieved major victories in advancing the sustainability of an animal species or group of species. The Emerging Conservationist Award, a new accolade in 2023, is given to a conservationist aged 40 or younger. Since 2004, the Indianapolis Prize has awarded more than $7.5 million in unrestricted cash awards, advancing the work of conservation scientists through financial support and public awareness. The Indianapolis Prize is a conservation initiative of the Indianapolis Zoo.
Connect with the Prize on Facebook, X, Instagram and indianapolisprize.org.
Media Contacts
David Hosick
Indianapolis Zoo, Director of Public Relations
317-410-5992
dhosick@indyzoo.com
Camille Pipino
VOX Global
614-588-6488
cpipino@omc.com
** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **
Renowned Madagascar Conservationist to be Recognized at 2025 Indianapolis Prize Gala
Renowned Madagascar Conservationist to be Recognized at 2025 Indianapolis Prize Gala
SHANGHAI, Jan. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- HOTELEX Shanghai 2026 will take place from 30th March to 2nd April 2026, offering global hospitality and foodservice suppliers a direct gateway to China and the wider Asian market. Building on the record-breaking success of the 2025 edition, the exhibition will return with expanded scale, stronger international buyer engagement, and enhanced commercial value. With over 3,500 exhibitors, 12,000 overseas buyers, and a fully integrated industry ecosystem, HOTELEX Shanghai 2026 provides a high-impact platform for sourcing, partnerships, and long-term market expansion.
HOTELEX Shanghai 2025 welcomed a record 284,581 professional visitors, including a 34.2% increase in international buyers. Exhibitors reported a 37% rise in qualified leads and a 23% increase in on-site transactions, demonstrating the exhibition's effectiveness as a high-performance sourcing and business platform. Building on this success, the 34ᵗʰ edition in 2026 will offer expanded exhibition space, deeper international participation, and increased opportunities for global decision-makers, distributors, and strategic partners.
Covering 400,000 square meters, the exhibition will host more than 3,500 leading domestic and international suppliers across key sectors including Kitchen Equipment, Coffee & Tea, Catering Ingredients, Beverages, and Baking Supplies. This fully integrated ecosystem supports end-to-end sourcing, innovation, and cross-border collaboration.
HOTELEX's competitive advantage lies in its comprehensive industry coverage. By integrating resources across hospitality, catering, cultural tourism, retail, logistics, and health sectors, the exhibition drives value-chain synergies and reflects the evolving structure of the modern hospitality economy. Its distinctive "tourism–catering–hotel joint exhibition" model offers a holistic showcase spanning food, accommodation, travel, shopping, and leisure.
Leveraging a shared pool of over 100,000 professional buyers from HOTELEX and FHC, exhibitors gain extended brand exposure through official digital platforms and global social media channels including LinkedIn, YouTube, Facebook, and TikTok, as well as partnerships with authoritative industry media. Booths are limited – reserve yours early to secure prime exhibition space and maximize business opportunities. Positioned as a strategic gateway, HOTELEX Shanghai 2026 empowers global companies to grow their presence in China and accelerate expansion across Asia's hospitality and foodservice markets.
Pre-registration: https://www.hotelex.cn/en/shanghai
Contact Us：
Booth Inquiry:
Jason Jin
Tel: +86 21 3339 2197
Junyan.Jin@imsinoexpo.com
Media & Visitor Consulting:
Lizzy Chen
Tel: +86 21 3339 2566
Lizzy.chen@imsinoexpo.com
** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **
Maximize Your Business Growth in Asia's Hospitality & Foodservice Market at HOTELEX 2026
