The Indianapolis Prize is a biennial prize awarded by the Indianapolis Zoo to individuals for "extraordinary contributions to conservation efforts" affecting one or more animal species.
63-581: The Indianapolis Prize was established by the Indianapolis Zoo to recognize and reward individuals who have achieved significant successes in the conservation of animal species. Every two years, nominations of deserving individuals for the Indianapolis Prize are accepted. From those nominations, a group of conservation experts from around the world select six finalists. A second group of conservation experts, aided by representatives from
126-651: A 34 percent rise in attendance. Under Crowther's leadership, numerous capital projects were undertaken and the Indianapolis Prize was established. A $ 10 million renovation of the Dolphin Pavilion opened in May 2005, including an underwater dolphin viewing dome and new programming. The following season, a $ 400,000 renovation of the Deserts Dome was completed. The zoo invested nearly $ 10 million in
189-438: A 90-foot (27 m)-tall viewing atrium. The Myrta Pulliam Hutan Trail, a series of cableways and platforms, allows the orangutans to travel throughout the zoo at their leisure. The exhibit opened Memorial Day weekend 2014. In October 2019, the zoo acquired two parcels for a combined 28.2 acres (11.4 ha) south of Washington Street. One parcel, consisting of 12.2 acres (4.9 ha) of the former General Motors plant site,
252-493: A US$ 50,000 award to further their conservation work. In 2023, Peruvian primatologist and anthropologist, Fanny M. Cornejo was named the inaugural Winner of the Emerging Conservationist Award for her work dedicated to the conservation and research of the yellow-tailed woolly monkey . She also serves as Executive Director of Yunkawasi, an organization that works with Amazonian and Andean communities for
315-540: A flagship species that is indicative of ocean health. Wildlife photographer Joel Sartore received the award in 2023 for his portrait photography of at-risk species. Sartore and National Geographic founded the Photo Ark project in 2006 to inspire people to protect threatened and endangered species through documentary photography and videos. In 2022, the Indianapolis Prize Committee created
378-427: A hairless patch on its underside and a yellowish pelage on the last third of the tail, giving this species its name. This coloration of the tail is not seen in infants and juveniles. The powerful tail is capable of supporting the animal's entire body weight while feeding or just hanging around; it also uses its tail to help travel through the canopy. The monkey is also known for its long, yellowish, pubic hair tuft. It has
441-528: A local man as a horse saddle. Humboldt had never seen a live animal of this species nor a preserved specimen, and believed it belonged to the genus Alouatta . For over 100 years, the species was reported on only a few isolated occasions, so was thought to be extinct . In 1926, three specimens were collected in San Martin, which were then brought to the Museum of Natural History. They were believed to be of
504-590: A new award recognizing conservationists early in their careers and under the age of 40 years of age with the drive to make a significant impact on a species or group of species. The goal of the award is to encourage talented individuals who dedicate their lives and careers to saving species. Similarly to the Indianapolis Prize Award, the Emerging Conservationist is chosen through a two-stage selection process. The Winner receives
567-454: A new species, but further evidence made it clear that these specimens were of the yellow-tailed woolly monkey. In 1974, a group of scientists, led by Russell Mittermeier , and funded by World Wide Fund for Nature , found a young yellow-tailed woolly monkey which was kept as a pet in the city of Pedro Ruiz Gallo, Amazonas. The rediscovery attracted the attention of national and international press, as well as conservation organizations that saw
630-466: A place to see animals, but also an institution of conservation and education. That same year, White River State Park was announced as the new site of the zoo. The groundbreaking at the new downtown location was held in September 1985. The old zoo closed in 1987. The current zoo at White River State Park opened on June 11, 1988, with a size of 64 acres (26 ha). Jeffrey Bonner began his tenure as
693-411: A redesigned Oceans building, which debuted in 2007. In September 2012, the zoo broke ground on the $ 21.5 million Simon Skjodt International Orangutan Center, serving as both an exhibit and research hub to assist with orangutan conservation. The project was partially funded by a $ 2 million donation from the family foundation of Dean and Barbara White. The exhibit houses nine orangutans and features
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#1732798133016756-605: A subgenus of Lagothrix , but others have regarded it as a full genus. A recent extensive study suggests that the yellow-tailed woolly monkey indeed belongs in Lagothrix , which has been followed by the American Society of Mammalogists and the IUCN Red List . The species was first described by Alexander von Humboldt in 1812 under the name Simia flavicauda , based on a skin found 10 years earlier, used by
819-462: A territorial or alarm call. Yellow-tailed woolly monkeys participate in geophagy, the consumption of soil. Geophagy is a rare biological behavior, but the species benefits since it results in trace mineral intake of minerals and reduction of intestinal parasites; they tend to suffer from an iron-deficient diet. Their consumption of soil allows them to intake iron that they do not get from their regular diet. The inaccessibility of its habitat protected
882-481: Is 8 kg in adults, but some males reach 11.5 kg. Peruvian yellow-tailed woolly monkeys are similar in size to the common woolly monkey, also in the genus Lagothrix . They live in large social groups (around 23 individuals) of both male and females. They have low reproductive rates and long interbirth intervals, which adds to their vulnerability for extinction. They are known to express aggressive behaviors upon initial encounters such as branch shaking, "mooning" of
945-549: Is a New World monkey endemic to Peru . It is a rare primate species found only in the Peruvian Andes , in the departments of Amazonas and San Martin , as well as bordering areas of La Libertad , Huánuco , and Loreto . The yellow-tailed woolly monkey was at first classified in the genus Lagothrix along with other woolly monkeys, but due to debatable primary sources, it was later placed in its own monotypic genus, Oreonax . Oreonax has been proposed to be
1008-584: Is among the largest privately funded zoos in the U.S. The institution is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and American Alliance of Museums and is a member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums . It was the first in the U.S. to receive triple accreditation as a zoo, aquarium, and botanical garden. The zoo is a leader in animal conservation and research, recognized for its biennial Indianapolis Prize and as home to
1071-598: Is credited as the first holiday lights display at a U.S. zoo, having begun in 1967. The Indianapolis Zoo has a multifaceted approach in its conservation and research efforts. The zoo participates in the Species Survival Plans (SSPs) and conservation programs of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums , the national zoo membership organization of the U.S. Under the auspices of the Polly H. Hix Institute for Conservation and Research, an initiative that supports
1134-477: Is included as part of the zoo. The world's first successful artificial insemination of an African elephant occurred at the zoo in 2000. Michael Crowther was appointed president and chief executive officer of the zoo in June 2002. During his tenure, the zoo experienced a nearly 240 percent increase in annual revenue, a 700 percent increase in the value of its endowment, a 27 percent increase in total assets, and
1197-472: Is organized around the concept of biomes , or areas of the planet with similar climates, plants, and animals. Animals at the Indianapolis Zoo are clustered in groups with similar habitats, which define each biome. The "‡" symbol denotes animals that are part of the zoo's captive breeding program , as recognized by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums ' Species Survival Plan . As of June 2022 ,
1260-643: The Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International . In 2018, Harrison Ford received the honor for his support of Conservation International , where he is on the Executive Committee and active in the organization's design and growth. He gave voice to the Nature Is Speaking film The Ocean and helped secure the protection of more than forty million acres (16,000,000 ha) on three continents as part of
1323-553: The Global Center for Species Survival through its partnership with the International Union for Conservation of Nature . In 2020, the zoo housed more than 1,400 animals of 235 species while the adjoining White River Gardens contained more than 50,000 plants of nearly 3,000 species, respectively. The Indianapolis Zoo is a significant economic driver in the city and among its most visited attractions. In 2021,
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#17327981330161386-641: The National Zoo in Washington, D.C. , Azy was a participant in the Smithsonian Institution 's Orangutan Language Project, providing researchers and the public insight into great ape language . Dr. Robert Shumaker, current president and chief executive officer of the Indianapolis Zoo, has worked with Azy in cognitive learning since 1984. Yellow-tailed woolly monkey The yellow-tailed woolly monkey ( Lagothrix flavicauda )
1449-646: The Deserts biome contains the following: Deserts Dome Size, Speed & Venom: Extreme Snakes As of June 2022 , Flights of Fancy contains the following: Budgie and Lorikeet Aviaries Flamingo Pool Other animals As of June 2022 , the Forests biome contains the following: Alligators & Crocodiles: The Fight to Survive International Chimpanzee Complex Kangaroo Crossing Magnificent Macaws Other animals Simon Skjodt International Orangutan Center Tiger Forest As of June 2022 ,
1512-632: The Endangered Species Carousel ( carousel ); Kōmbo Family Coaster ( roller coaster ); Skyline ( gondola lift ); and the White River Junction Train ( train ride ). Since 1986, Zoobilation has served as the Indianapolis Zoo's annual black tie fundraiser. The outdoor event takes place each June on the zoo grounds, featuring live music and food and beverages from area restaurants. The 2010 event drew about 4,500 attendees and raised more than $ 1 million to support
1575-740: The Global Conservation Fund. In 2021, ocean conservationist and philanthropist Prince Albert II of Monaco received the honor for his dedication to protecting the world's oceans; he established the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation in 2006 to address the planet's alarming environmental situation. Under his leadership, Monaco is the official proponent for action by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) on behalf of seahorses –
1638-609: The Indianapolis Prize created the Jane Alexander Global Wildlife Ambassador Award to recognize advocacy , outreach, and contributions of public figures who use their platform to support the natural world. The award is named in honor of actor and conservationist Jane Alexander , winners of the Ambassador award lend a credible public voice for the sustainability of wildlife. The inaugural Jane Alexander Global Wildlife Ambassador Award
1701-453: The Indianapolis Zoo and the city of Indianapolis , serve as jurors to review the work of the six finalists and select the winner. From 2006 through 2012, winners received an unrestricted cash award of US$ 100,000, which was increased to US$ 250,000 for 2014 and subsequent years. In addition, beginning in 2023, the five other finalists each receive a US$ 50,000 unrestricted cash award. Many renowned conservationists and scientists have served on
1764-512: The Indianapolis Zoo died from an outbreak of elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus (EEHV3 strain). Mainly associated with Asian elephants , the EEHV outbreak was a rare instance of the virus infecting elephants of the African species, drawing national interest from researchers. In February 2020, the Indianapolis Zoo hosted a conference convening veterinarians, scientists, and zookeepers from across
1827-669: The Oceans biome contains the following: Aquaria Ascension St. Vincent Dolphin Pavilion Penguin Hall Sea Lion & Seal Sharing One World: Long-Tailed Macaques Walrus Complex As of June 2022 , the Plains biome contains the following: The Indianapolis Zoo offers several seasonal amusement rides, animal feedings, rotating exhibits, and presentations for zoo visitors. As of June 2022 , general admission costs cover seven "featured attractions" at
1890-727: The Society's current and future research and conservation programs, the zoo conducts research projects both in situ and ex situ on selected species. The Indianapolis Zoo also participates in three conservation and research foundations: the International Elephant Foundation (IEF), the International Iguana Foundation (IIF), and the International Rhino Foundation (IRF). The Hix Institute also supports
1953-815: The Tarangire Elephant Project in Tanzania to protect migration corridors between Tarangire National Park and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area . The zoo has a second partnership with the IUCN – The World Conservation Union, a conservation network. The Indianapolis Zoo, in partnership with the MacArthur Foundation , is supporting the IUCN's project documenting the known effects of climate change on wildlife habitats. In March 2019, two female African elephants at
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2016-507: The U.S. to learn from the case and advance research to benefit conservation efforts. The biennial Indianapolis Prize was established in 2004 to recognize conservationists who have made substantial contributions toward the sustainability of an animal species or group of species. Recipients are awarded the Lilly Medal and US$ 250,000. Azy, a male orangutan , has resided at the Indianapolis Zoo since 2010. Born on December 14, 1977, at
2079-611: The White River was completed in 1916 as part of the National Road . In 1984, construction began on the realignment of Washington Street to the south to make way for the zoo's development. The bridge was preserved and renovated in the 1990s to carry non-motorized traffic between downtown and the zoo's east entrance at White River Gardens . Limited in number and species, Indianapolis's earliest captive animals were located in small exhibits at various city parks. Brookside Park
2142-515: The ability to leap 15 m (49 ft). The yellow-tailed woolly monkey is one of the least known of the primate species. It is also one of the largest neotropical primates. They are regularly found in the tropical Andes. Their habitat is characterized as rough terrain consisting of steep mountain sides and deep river gorges, with canopy heights of 20–25 m. Cloud forest, the habitat of this monkey, are in high altitudes and often have cloud coverage near or in them. The last estimated population count
2205-778: The animals in 1916 and the zoo was officially closed in 1917. In 1944, Lowell Nussbaum , columnist for the Indianapolis Times , and later the Indianapolis Star , began to advocate for a zoo through his column "Inside Indianapolis", which inspired the incorporation of the Indianapolis Zoological Society in October 1944. Soon after, members outlined plans for the zoo. Group members were adamant that "the zoo will rely on admissions, in-park sales, contributions, and memberships to support
2268-663: The conservation of threatened species through sustainable economic development and a protected area management approach. Indianapolis Zoo The Indianapolis Zoo is a 93-acre (38 ha) non-profit zoo , public aquarium , and botanical garden in Indianapolis , Indiana , United States. Incorporated in 1944, the Indianapolis Zoological Society established the first zoo at George Washington Park in 1964. The current zoo opened in 1988 at White River State Park near downtown Indianapolis . It
2331-597: The endangered monkeys by turning to alternative forms of agriculture to preserve the remnants of the Amazonas forests. However, a lack of funding has slowed the conservation process. Several communities in Peru have made conservation efforts to preserve the yellow-tailed woolly monkeys through various ways. Community-based conservation efforts have been made in preserving the monkeys, such as in Los Chilchos valley, where
2394-446: The extinction of the species and maintaining the livelihood of the farmers of Peru is a major issue in the struggle for conservation efforts toward the yellow-tailed woolly monkey. Oreonax flavicauda is one of the rarest Neotropical primates and is one of Peru's largest endemic mammals. Adult head and body lengths can range from 51.3 to 53.5 cm, with tails even longer than the body, up to 63 cm (25 in). The average weight
2457-466: The largest in the zoo's history. The campaign will finance capital projects, including the construction of a $ 5 million entry plaza and welcome center and a $ 13 million home for the Global Center for Species Survival. Construction began in September 2021 and is projected to conclude in May 2023. A $ 25 million International Chimpanzee Complex is planned to open in May 2024. The Indianapolis Zoo
2520-484: The montane cloud forests of the Peruvian Andes at elevations of 1,500–2,700 m (4,900–8,900 ft) above sea level in the departments of Amazonas and San Martin, as well as bordering areas of La Libertad, Huánuco, and Loreto. Its habitat is characterized by steep gorges and ravines. The original extent of its habitat is estimated to be around 11,000 km (4,200 sq mi), but recent estimates put
2583-430: The need to know quickly the status of this species. In the summer of 2004, scientists searched for yellow-tailed woolly monkeys in a remote area of San Martin, where the forest is tropical, humid, and quite mountainous. The forest area, threatened due to haphazard tree cutting, was believed to have at least a minor population of the species, and was studied along with two other areas of Peru. The loss of habitat due to
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2646-530: The negligence of the regional government of Shipasbamba, Amazonas to the accept requests for conservation efforts, local lands have been the victims of slash-and-burn agriculture by local farmers to support the growing demand of local agricultural crops, as well as to support the increase in population size. With the deforestation and increased population, the monkeys have had their habitat range reduced, which increases their risk of extinction. Conservation efforts led by ASPROCOT have been made recently to help protect
2709-532: The nominating committee and jury, including E.O. Wilson , John Terborgh , Peter Raven , and Stuart Pimm . New nominating committee and jury members are chosen each two-year prize cycle. The Eli Lilly and Company Foundation provides funding for the prize. In addition to the US$ 250,000 award, the winner also receives the Lilly Medal . The obverse of the Lilly Medal features a shepherd surrounded by nature and
2772-488: The parking lot from West Washington Street , which forms the zoo's southern boundary. Parking is free for zoo members and $ 10 for non-members. The zoo is accessible to pedestrians, bicyclists, or other non-motorists via the White River Trail which runs between its namesake river and the zoo's property. Public transportation serves the facility via IndyGo 's Route 8. The former Washington Street Bridge spanning
2835-626: The project is directed by the Apenheul Primate Conservation Trust. Efforts include preventing further immigration into areas home to the monkeys and beginning ecosystem protection initiatives. Neotropical Primate Conservation has begun using newly constructed roads in La Esperanza to access areas which are now being used to develop ecotourism initiatives to build awareness about the endangered monkey population and its habitat, which has helped local people understand
2898-414: The remaining habitat at between 6,000 and 7,000 km (2,300 and 2,700 sq mi). Its diet is primarily frugivorous , but leaves, flowers, insects and other invertebrates are also eaten. The species is arboreal and diurnal . It has a multiple-male group social system and a polygamous mating system. They have a variety of vocalisations , including a loud, "puppy-like" bark which they use as
2961-607: The rising sun. On the reverse is inscribed a quote from naturalist John Muir , "When we try to pick out anything by itself, we find it hitched to everything else in the Universe." The winner and finalists are celebrated at the Indianapolis Prize Gala held in downtown Indianapolis. It is designed to inspire guests to care more about animal conservation and place these dedicated heroes on the pedestal usually reserved for sports and entertainment stars. Additionally,
3024-424: The scrotal tuft, and short barking calls. The yellow-tailed woolly monkeys' fur is longer and denser than other woolly monkeys, an adaptation to its cold montane forest habitat. The monkey's color is deep mahogany and copper with a whitish patch on its snout extending from the chin to between its eyes. Its fur gets darker towards its upper body, making its head seem almost black. It has a powerful prehensile tail, with
3087-417: The species throughout its range. The species is considered one of " The World's 25 Most Endangered Primates ". Habitat loss by deforestation is the biggest threat to the endangerment of yellow-tailed woolly monkeys. The Lima-Tarapoto highway which runs through the regions of San Martin and Amazonas has caused the immigration of people from coastal and high mountain regions leading to overpopulation. Due to
3150-511: The species until the 1950s. However, the construction of new roads, habitat loss and fragmentation from agriculture, logging and cattle ranching, and subsistence hunting, together with the monkey's naturally low population densities, slow maturation, and low reproductive rate, have led to a predicted decline of at least 80% over the next three generations. This and its restricted geographic distribution have led to this species' current critically endangered status. Conservation work started soon after
3213-524: The species was rediscovered in the mid-1970s. This pioneering work by the Peruvian NGO APECO led to the creation of three protected areas, Rio Abiseo National Park , Alto Mayo Protected Forest , and Cordillera de Colán National Sanctuary . From the mid-1980s until recently, further conservation or research efforts were minimal. Starting in 2007, though, British NGO Neotropical Primate Conservation has been running conservation initiatives for
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#17327981330163276-459: The tree cutting in the yellow-tailed woolly monkey habitat could prove problematic for the species as a whole. The introduction of farm plots in regions where this organism can be sustained is impacting the yellow-tailed woolly. The farmers of Peru are afraid of losing their farmland to conservation efforts. Farmers said that they did not hunt the monkeys, but that the land is necessary for growing coffee and raising cattle. The balance between avoiding
3339-415: The zoo became one of few in the country to employ a full-time education staff. By the 20th anniversary of the zoo, its animal collection had doubled in size and it was determined that the zoo needed a new location where it could continue to expand. In 1982, international zoo, aquarium, and wildlife authorities gathered to set goals for establishing the new zoo. It was determined that a zoo should not only be
3402-611: The zoo employed 700 people and welcomed 1.2 million guests, contributing nearly $ 60 million annually to the city's economy. The Indianapolis Zoo is situated within White River State Park , about 1 mi (1.6 km) west of Monument Circle on the eastern edge of the Near Westside neighborhood area. The White River hugs the zoo's northern and eastern boundaries, physically separating the facility from downtown Indianapolis . Visitors arriving by car access
3465-489: The zoo". However, it would not be until 20 years later, in 1964, that the zoo would open to the public. The Indianapolis Zoo opened as Washington Park Children's Zoo on April 18, 1964, at Washington Park on East 30th Street. In its first year, the new attraction drew more than 270,000 visitors. The zoo originally featured an Asian elephant, penguins, kangaroos, foxes, raccoons, camels, bison, deer, lambs, tortoises, llamas, prairie dogs, pygmy goats, and buffalo exhibits. In 1965,
3528-452: The zoo's animal care and conservation efforts. The Indianapolis Zoo hosts popular holiday events throughout the year, notably ZooBoo and Christmas at the Zoo. Held annually each October, the Indianapolis Zoo is decorated in recognition of Halloween; ZooBoo encourages guests to wear costumes for trick-or-treating and special programming. Christmas at the Zoo, held from November through December,
3591-522: The zoo's president and chief executive officer in January 1993. After the construction of the Waters building and the Dolphin Pavilion, the zoo earned AZA accreditation as an aquarium as well as a zoo. In 1996, the Indianapolis Zoo became the first institution to be triple-accredited as a zoo, aquarium, and botanical garden. White River Gardens was considered a separate facility from 1999 to 2006, but now
3654-401: The zoo, including zookeeper-led presentations highlighting the zoo's dolphins, macaws ( Magnificent Macaws ), and African elephants ( Tembo Camp ); Shark/Ray Touch Pool; Kangaroo Crossing; Alligators & Crocodiles: The Fight to Survive; and Race A Cheetah. Tickets purchased at additional cost permit visitors to feed flamingos, budgerigars, lorikeets, or giraffes; and enjoy four rides, including
3717-424: Was appointed president in 2016 and assumed the role of chief executive officer in January 2020, following Crowther's retirement. Since 2020, the zoo has debuted three exhibitions: Elephant Tembo Camp (2020), Alligators & Crocodiles: The Fight to Survive (2021), and Kangaroo Crossing (2022), with a total investment of nearly $ 4.8 million. In December 2022, officials announced a $ 53 million fundraising campaign,
3780-551: Was donated to the zoo by Indianapolis-based developer Ambrose Property Group, while the second parcel—consisting of 16 acres (6.5 ha) of undeveloped land—was purchased from Ambrose for $ 3 million. Upon the announcement, zoo officials said the first parcel would "almost immediately" be used as an overflow parking lot. Further, a zoo spokesperson said the existing 13-acre (5.3 ha) surface parking lot would "likely be converted into new exhibits and other zoo programming," though years of planning were anticipated. Dr. Robert Shumaker
3843-509: Was home to a collection of birds, including cockatoos, parrots, and macaws. Garfield Park contained a bear and several monkeys. Riverside Park exhibited a pair of sea lions. By 1906, the Indianapolis Parks Department consolidated the various exhibits into a single site at Riverside. The zoological garden's demise came amid wartime conservation efforts as the U.S. entered World War I . The park board began selling
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#17327981330163906-451: Was less than 250 individuals. The current habitat of the yellow-tailed monkey is fragmented due to deforestation, as is the population. This can hinder reproduction, as it limits an already limited population. The Yellow-Tailed monkey has never been subject to a full census so exact numbers vary. A study was done to exam the population however the terrain and fragmented populations made this difficult. The yellow-tailed woolly monkey lives in
3969-599: Was presented to its namesake in recognition of her decades-long commitment as a voice and champion for species. She has been involved with the Wildlife Conservation Society , the Audubon Society , and Panthera. 2016 Winner Sigourney Weaver has been an advocate for the mountain gorillas of Rwanda since her starring role in the 1988 film Gorillas in the Mist and serves as honorary chair of
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