A Week of Celebration, Conservation, and Education

Michael I. Crowther Conservation Forum: An Evening of Conservation Leadership

The Prize winner’s week in Indianapolis was filled with celebration, conservation, and education. On Thursday, September 25th, a unique gathering brought together business professionals and community leaders for an enlightening experience. The Conservation Forum, named in tribute to Michael I. Crowther—the visionary founder of the prestigious Indianapolis Prize—offers something rare in the corporate world: a chance to step beyond boardrooms and balance sheets into the wild world of global conservation.

This year’s event featured a panel discussion with Indianapolis Zoo President & CEO Dr. Rob Shumaker moderating. The panel included the Indianapolis Prize winner, Lily-Arison René de Roland, Emerging Conservationist Badru Mugerwa, and our own Evan Buechley (VP of International Programs) and Stéphanie Razakaratrimo (Madagascar Communications Officer). The panel discussion was focus on Conservation Leadership, a pillar of The Peregrine Fund approach. The Conservation Forum stands as a bridge between two worlds, honoring Michael I. Crowther's legacy by showing that the principles of effective leadership transcend boundaries.

Lily joins the Global Conversations at Indiana Universities

The Indianapolis Prize Speaker Series takes place during the week before the prize is awarded. The series offers direct access to the scientists doing the hardest work in conservation today.

Winners discuss the practical realities of their research—the years spent securing funding, the complications of habitat protection, the scientific setbacks that required strategic adaptability. They explain what drew them to their particular species or ecosystem, and how they've built public and institutional support for work that often takes decades to show results.

The format includes extended Q&A, allowing participants to probe the details that matter to them—methodological approaches, career decisions, collaborative strategies, or the Winner's assessment of their field's most pressing needs.

It's a working conversation about the complexity of species conservation with people who've committed their lives to it. People like Dr. Lily-Arison René de Roland.

Lily was featured at three universities for the series including the University of Indianapolis, Butler University, and Franklin College. He also participated in conversations at Ball State University, Purdue University, DePauw University, Andrews University, and Indiana University Bloomington. 

On December 4, 2025, Lily will also be giving a guest lecture at Harvard University in honor of World Wildlife Day. 

Meet a Hero: An Extraordinary Encounter with Conservation Champions

One of many events held throughout the week was, “Meet a Hero”. The event brings the Indianapolis Zoo's mission to life in the most inspiring way possible—by connecting visitors face-to-face with the remarkable scientists, researchers, and conservationists who are fighting to save endangered species and protect wild places around the world.

This unique event is a rare opportunity to hear first hand stories of dedication, determination, and hope from Prize-winning heroes like Dr. Lily-Arison René de Roland. The day provided a chance to meet these heroes, discover what drives them, learn about the species they're protecting, and find out how their groundbreaking work is making a real difference. 

Many of those who attended took home a limited-edition pack of conservation collector cards featuring the Prize Winners, DeHaan Finalists, Emerging Conservationists, and other attending Honorees. Kids who visited with Lily were delighted by stickers of the Critically Endangered Madagascar Fish-eagle, Madagascar Pochard, and Endangered Madagascar Serpent-eagle. These collectibles aren't just keepsakes—they're inspiration to join the ranks of conservation heroes like Lily, who are changing the fate of our planet.