This archive report was first published on 24 October 2019.
On October 22, the Indianapolis Zoo announced the nominees for the prestigious Indianapolis Prize, recognizing outstanding contributions to animal conservation. Among the 31 nominees from around the world are two Kenyan conservationists, Issa Gedi and Richard Bonham.
Issa Gedi, working with the Northern Rangelands Trust at Ishaqbini Hirola Community Conservancy and Sanctuary, has been praised for his role in conserving the critically endangered hirola antelope. His efforts have led to a significant increase in the numbers of hirolas in the sanctuary, which hosts 20 percent of the world's species.
Richard Bonham, co-founder of Big Life Foundation Kenya, has been recognized for his work in protecting elephants, black rhinos, and lions in the Greater Amboseli ecosystem. He has led the arrest of hundreds of wildlife crime suspects, confiscated over a ton of ivory, and constructed wildlife fencing to reduce crop-raiding.
The winner of the Indianapolis Prize will receive Sh25 million, while the top five finalists will each receive Sh1 million. The winner will be announced at the Indianapolis Prize Gala on September 12, 2020.
According to the International Union for Conservation and Nature, the hirola antelope is categorized as Critically Endangered, with a population of less than 500 individuals. Despite legal protection since 1970, the population has plummeted by 95 percent in the past four decades.
