52 candidates vying for 1 million dollars
INDIANAPOLIS, December 29, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — The Indianapolis Zoo’s bold new conservation initiative will reward 1 million dollars to a single organization working to save a species from extinction. The Saving Species Challenge has attracted interest from conservationists representing 52 species in 46 countries. Each applicant has developed a detailed plan that, if funded, will have a measurable and lasting impact on the survival of an endangered animal species.
The Indianapolis Zoo launched the Saving Species Challenge in April to fund a plan that could improve the status of species currently designated as threatened (critically endangered, endangered, vulnerable or extinct). wild) by the International Wildlife Union. Nature Conservation (IUCN) red list.
The announcement of the 52 candidates takes place on the 50thth anniversary of the Endangered Species Act in United States, which granted legal protection to hundreds of species. “We are focused on our mission to protect nature and inspire people to care for our world. The Saving Species Challenge is a solid investment in protecting and preserving the diversity of life on Earth,” said the doctor. Robert Shumakerpresident and CEO of the Indianapolis Zoo.
Ecologists at the Global Center for Species Survival reviewed nearly 200 pre-applications before inviting 79 organizations to submit full applications. The decision about who will be awarded the 1 million dollars The Saving Species Challenge grant rests in the hands of a jury of international animal conservation advocates.
“We were inspired by the quality of the applications we received. I wish we had $52 million to fund each of these conservation action plans,” said Bill Streetsenior vice president of the Indianapolis Zoo and director of the Global Center for Species Survival.
Entries to the challenge represent not only strong geographic diversity, but also biological diversity. Applicants submitted plans to improve the conservation status of 7 amphibians, 17 birds, 3 fish, 3 insects, 12 mammals and 10 reptiles.
The Saving Species Challenge is inspired by a concept developed by experts from the IUCN Species Survival Commission. “Reverse the Red” aims to downlist species assessed on the IUCN Red List. For example, if a species is currently listed as extinct in the wild, moving it to Critically Endangered would mean an improvement in the species’ chances of survival.
The winner of the Indianapolis Zoo’s Species Saving Challenge will have five years to implement their program and show their progress. The Zoo will announce the winner in spring 2024.
Click here for free media resources, including the full list of 52 candidates.
About the Global Center for Species Survival
The Indianapolis Zoo’s Global Center for Species Survival is a partnership with the Species Survival Commission of the International Union for Conservation of Nature. The Global Center supports and connects thousands of conservation experts working to secure a future for animals, fungi and plants in more than 160 countries.
About the Indianapolis Zoo
The Indianapolis Zoo is the largest zoo in the United States that does not receive direct tax assistance. The Zoo has invested significant resources in conservation for decades, including the Indianapolis Prize – the world’s largest award for animal conservation – the World Center for Species Survival and the Conservation Field Grants Program from the zoo. The Indianapolis Zoo protects nature and inspires people to care for our world. Located in downtown White River State Park, the Indianapolis Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and the American Alliance of Museums as a zoo, aquarium and botanical garden. Visit IndianapolisZoo.com.
Media contacts
Emily Garrett
Director of Public Relations
317-630-2010
egarrett@indyzoo.com
Kelly Griese
Public relations specialist for the world
Center for Species Survival
317-735-6381
kgriese@indyzoo.com
SOURCE EZoo of Indianapolis
