Three scientists, including Dr. Lily-Arison Rene de Roland, conducting research in the forests of Madagascar.

courtesy of The Peregrine Fund

Madagascar Program Director Lily-Arison Rene de Roland Wins Most Prestigious Global Conservation Prize

Africa

We’re excited to announce that our Madagascar Program Director, Dr. Lily-Arison Rene de Roland, has been selected as the 2025 Winner of the Indianapolis Prize, the world's leading award for animal conservation!

Established by the Indianapolis Zoo in 2004, the Indianapolis Prize recognizes and rewards the world’s preeminent animal conservationists who have achieved major victories in advancing the sustainability of an animal species or group of species. Winners receive $250,000, which is the largest individual monetary award given in the animal conservation field. Lily is the tenth winner of the Indianapolis Prize.

Dr. Lily-Arison Rene de Roland weighing a bird in a cloth bag.
John Mittermeier


“I am honored to receive this prestigious award from the Indianapolis Zoo,” said Lily. “My work is inspired by my pride for my country’s biodiversity and my love for its wonderful people.” 

Lily has been part of The Peregrine Fund since he was pursuing his undergraduate degree in 1992, and was named the Madagascar Program Director in 2004. In this time, Lily has accumulated an impressive list of accomplishments. Lily has rediscovered two bird species, helped establish five protected areas in Madagascar, mentored over 130 Malagasy students pursuing graduate degrees, and authored over 80 scientific publications on little-known and threatened species and ecosystems. These are just a few highlights from Lily’s impactful career.

(Lily is seen below at three points during his Peregrine Fund tenure. At top left, he is tracking Frances's Sparrowhawks in 1994 for his PhD work. At top right, he poses in 2006 in front of the lake where he rediscovered the Madagascar Pochard. At bottom, Lily—standing in back row third from right—poses with members of our Ankivahivahy field team in 2022.)

Three photos. Top left is Dr. Lily-Arison Rene de Roland standing in ankle-deep water and holding a radio antenna in 1994. Top right is Lily standing in front of a lake in 2006. Bottom is Lily with a team of scientists in 2022.
Russell Thorstrom (top left, bottom) | Rick Watson (top right)


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

Lily will be celebrated at the Indianapolis Prize Gala on September 27, 2025, along with the 2025 Indianapolis Prize DeHaan Finalists and the 2025 Indianapolis Prize Emerging Conservationist Award Winner in downtown Indianapolis.