The American Humane Society is pleased to announce that the 2026 Wolfgang Kiessling International Prize for Species Conservation is now open.
This prestigious award honors individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the conservation of endangered species and their habitats. Through scientific excellence, innovation, and lasting impact, Kiessling Prize laureates are advancing species conservation around the world. In keeping with the vision of the Prize, applicants should be able to articulate the essential role that modern zoos and aquariums play in advancing species conservation – strengthening connections between in situ and ex situ efforts and making a compelling case for integrated conservation approaches.
We are proud to recognize our most recent Prize recipients:
- 2025: Dr. Kathleen Dudzinski – Founder & Director, Dolphin Communication Project
- 2024: Dr. Arnaud Desbiez – President & Founder, Wild Animal Conservation Institute (ICAS)
- 2023: Prof. Theo Pagel – Director, Cologne Zoo
- 2022: Dr. Jon Paul Rodríguez – Chair (Former), IUCN Species Survival Commission
New applicants and prior finalists alike are encouraged to apply. Applications must be submitted by individuals (not an organization, program, or group); however, the selected recipient may choose to allocate the Prize funds to an organization to further their conservation efforts. The winner will receive a grant of $80,000 (USD) and will be honored at an award ceremony in Washington, D.C. in September.
Applications are open from March 2 through June 1, 2026.
For more information, please visit the Kiessling Prize webpage or read the press release.
Apply today—we look forward to celebrating the next global leader in species conservation.
