Lily delivers his acceptance speech during the 2025 Indianapolis Prize Gala.

courtesy of Indianapolis Zoo

The Gala: A Night to Save the World and Celebrate our Hero!

Africa

Every two years, something extraordinary happens in Indianapolis. The city transforms into the global epicenter of conservation, drawing the world's attention to those who dedicate their lives to protecting our planet's most vulnerable species and the ecosystems that we all thrive in.

On September 27, 2025, the Indianapolis Prize Gala brought together a remarkable gathering of heroes. They were not the quiet academics you might expect—they're passionate warriors on the front lines of conservation, and their victories deserve to be celebrated in grand fashion. This year, The Peregrine Fund’s Dr. Lily-Arison René de Roland was the celebrated winner.

Two photos. Top shows banners featuring Indianapolis Prize awardees, with Lily's in front. Bottom shows Lily on stage waving to an audience during the gala as other awardees applaud.
Olivier Langrand


Emceed by award-winning NBC journalist Anne Thompson with Kenyan wildlife conservationist and TV presenter Saba Douglass-Hamilton, the evening provided guests a journey around the globe through stunning films captured alongside conservationists in the field. Past winners—many now legends in their field—mingle with this year's finalists, sharing stories of triumph over seemingly impossible odds. The Prize Winners and DeHaan Finalists take their well-earned spotlight, while the Emerging Conservationist Winner represents the next generation of environmental champions. 

This year holds special significance for The Peregrine Fund. Among the distinguished guests filling the downtown Indianapolis venue were leaders from the world's most influential conservation organizations—including the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund, National Geographic, ReWild, and the American Bird Conservancy. These CEOs and key decision-makers gathered to celebrate Lily and honor the remarkable work he is leading in Madagascar.

Two photos. Top shows Lily's three sons posing for a photo at the Prize Gala. Bottom shows current and former Peregrine Fund staff members posing with Lily at the Gala.
Fanja Andriamialisoa (top) | courtesy of Russell Thorstrom (bottom)


To make the occasion even more special, Lily was joined by his three sons, Toky, Rija, and Tolotra (seen above in top photo), and TPF Madagascar Communications Officer, Dr. Stéphanie Razakaratrimo, who just completed her PhD with the mentorship of Lily. Members of TPF leadership team also attended, including Executive VP of Science and Conservation, Dr. Chris McClure; Conservation Director for Madagascar and West Indies, Russell Thorstom; Vice President of International Programs, Evan Buechley; and Vice President of Development, Heather Meuleman. (From left to right in bottom photo above: former Peregrine Fund President Rick Watson, Stéphanie, Heather, Lily, Russell, Evan, and Chris.) Unfortunately, President & CEO Chris N. Parish was kept from the event because of a canceled flight.

“The Peregrine Fund is tremendously proud of Lily, whose commitment to science, conservation, and his community inspires us all,” said Chris N. Parish. “We are beyond excited that the Indianapolis Prize is recognizing him for his research, mentorship, and decades of work in the conservation profession.” 

The Indianapolis Prize Gala isn't just an awards ceremony. It's a spectacular celebration of hope, determination, and the incredible humans who refuse to let species and ecosystems disappear on their watch.