American Humane launches 3rd Annual Kiessling International Prize for Species Conservation

“There is simply no higher purpose than that to protect and preserve our world’s most precious asset – animal life.”
– Wolfgang Kiessling

For more than 50 years Wolfgang Kiessling, founder of the world-renowned Loro Parque, has tirelessly worked to save numerous species from extinction. This annual award recognizes individuals who embody Mr. Kiessling’s exceptional leadership, vision and commitment to the field of conservation, specifically species and habitat protection and the critical role that zoos and aquariums play in those efforts.

IUCN Member American Humane invites all accomplished conservation scientists to apply for this prestigious award.  The winning award recipient will be a credentialed conservation scientist who can proactively and profoundly make the case for zoos and aquariums working to fight the Sixth Mass Extinction.  The winner will travel to the designated award ceremony, take part in a major media campaign carrying news of the award and their prize-winning conservation work, and receive a grant of US $80,000.

Applications for the Kiessling Prize are being accepted through June 1, 2024.

To learn more, please read the press release or visit the Kiessling Prize webpage to apply. Past finalists are encouraged to re-apply. Congratulations to Prof. Theo Pagel – recipient of the 2023 Kiessling Prize! Learn more about the Kiessling Prize and Prof. Pagel’s accomplishments by watching this video.