We honor visionary leadership in species conservation.
Our annual Kiessling Prize recognizes scientists and conservationists who push the boundaries of their profession to advance conservation knowledge and research.
About the Kiessling Prize
The Wolfgang Kiessling International Prize for Species Conservation is the prestigious global award recognizing the exceptional achievements of conservation scientists. Named in honor of Wolfgang F. Kiessling, a visionary conservationist with over 50 years of dedicated work to save species from extinction, the prize celebrates those who embody his leadership, vision and commitment to protecting species, habitats and the vital role of zoos and aquariums.
“There is simply no higher purpose than that to protect and preserve our world’s most precious asset – animal life.”
Wolfgang Kiessling
Each year, Global Humane Society awards the prize to a scientist making transformative contributions to conservation practice, theory, or research. Recipients are honored at an annual award ceremony, receive a grant to support their efforts and are featured in a global media campaign to share their groundbreaking work with the world.
As the threat of extinction looms over up to one million species, the Kiessling Prize shines a crucial spotlight on those who are building a more sustainable and humane future. This award serves as both recognition and inspiration for the relentless efforts needed to protect life on Earth for generations to come.
2025 Kiessling Prize Recipient: Kathleen Dudzinski, Ph.D.
The 2025 Wolfgang Kiessling International Prize for Species Conservation is awarded to Dr. Kathleen Dudzinski, a pioneering marine mammalogist and expert in dolphin communication.
A leading marine mammal scientist with over 30 years of experience, she has studied dolphin communication, behavior and social bonds in both wild and managed care settings. Her comparative research bridges conservation science and public education, offering data-driven insights that support animal welfare and ocean advocacy. Through ecotourism and outreach, she inspires the next generation of conservation stewards.
2025 Prize Finalists
Each year, the Kiessling Prize attracts nominations from throughout the world of conservation, with expertise spanning species, research topics and geographies. We are pleased to honor all of the finalists, recognizing their tremendous contributions to species conservation.
Danté Fenolio, Ph.D.
Vice President of Conservation and Research, San Antonio Zoo
A wildlife biologist with more than 30 years of experience in species conservation, captive breeding and environmental education, he leads international efforts to protect endangered amphibians and collaborates with indigenous communities through initiatives like Project Selva. His pioneering work in portable breeding labs and conservation outreach helps deliver scalable, science-driven impacts across continents.
Hilde Vanleeuwe, Ph.D.
Founder, WilderThings
A conservation biologist with over three decades of hands-on experience protecting elephants and forest ecosystems across Africa, she previously served as Park Director of Conkouati-Douli National Park in Congo and led Kenya’s Elephant Conservation Fund. Through WilderThings, she is advancing riparian corridor protection to safeguard biodiversity and restore habitat connectivity.
Jonah Henri Ratsimbazafy, Ph.D.
President, Groupe d’Étude et de Recherche sur les Primates de (GERP) Madagascar
A Malagasy primatologist and global leader in lemur conservation, he has authored over 300 scientific publications and brings decades of fieldwork experience. Through GERP, he has co-managed protected areas like the Maromizaha rainforest and led initiatives from repatriating trafficked lemurs to launching rural education programs. Known for turning vision into action, he leads with cultural respect, scientific integrity and unwavering hope.
Yadvendradev V. Jhala, Ph.D.
Senior Scientist, National Centre for Biological Sciences, India
One of India’s foremost wildlife scientists, he’s known for his leadership in tiger recovery, cheetah reintroduction and bustard conservation. He spent over two decades at the Wildlife Institute of India, where he trained more than 1,600 conservation professionals and helped shape national wildlife policy. His work continues to guide science-based management of India’s most iconic and endangered species.
How to Apply
Candidates for the Kiessling Prize should be credentialed conservation scientists who can proactively and profoundly make the case for zoos and aquariums working to fight the Sixth Mass Extinction. Their work should be innovative, demonstrating an ability to develop creative solutions that could be implemented on an international scale.
The application window for the next Kiessling Prize will open from March through May 2026. The finalists will travel to the designated award ceremony in September 2026, where the prize recipient will take part in a major media campaign carrying news of the award and their prize-winning conservation work and receive a grant to support their efforts.
Prize Timeline
- March 2026: Applications open.
- May 2026: Applications close.
- August 2026: Finalists notified.
- September 2026: Winner announced.
Selection Committee
- Dr. Robin Ganzert
- Mr. Christoph Kiessling
- Ms. Cybell Kiessling
- Dr. Javier Almunia
- Mr. Brad Andrews
Past Kiessling Prize Recipients
Meet the exceptional conservation scientists recognized for their groundbreaking work. These awardees and finalists are leading the charge in demonstrating how zoos and aquariums play a vital role in global wildlife conservation.
2024 Recipient Dr. Arnaud Desbiez
Dr. Arnaud Desbiez
President and Founder
Wild Animal Conservation Institute (ICAS)
For his groundbreaking work in preserving endangered species and dedication to safeguarding biodiversity, Dr. Arnaud Desbiez received the 2024 Kiessling Prize.
“I am greatly honored to be the recipient of the 2024 Wolfgang Kiessling International Prize for Species Conservation. This award will help shine a light on the plight of our South American giants, the giant armadillo and giant anteater.
It will also honor the hard-working multi-disciplinary team at ICAS dedicating their lives to the species as well as help celebrate our long-term partnership with zoological institutions.”
Dr. Desbiez has 20 years of experience in field conservation across Brazil, and he has grown his interest in giant armadillos into a vital NGO that works to promote biodiversity conservation.
With the support of zoos, ICAS has developed innovative strategies ranging from basic research to complex modeling, citizen science, and certification, while focusing on environmental education, advocacy, and communication.
2024 Prize Finalists
Robert Aruho (BVM, MSc.)
Head of Conservancy, Veterinary Services and Mountain Bongo Program
Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy
Kathleen Dudzinski
Founder and Director
Dolphin Communication Project
Danté Fenolio
Vice President
Center for Conservation & Research at the San Antonio Zoo
Alejandro Grajal
President and CEO
Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle
Vivek Menon
Founder and Executive Director
Wildlife Trust of India
2023 Recipient Professor Theo Pagel
Professor Theo Pagel
Director General
Cologne Zoo
For his achievements in conservation and ability to unite people for positive environmental change, Prof. Pagel received the 2023 Kiessling Prize.
Throughout his career, Prof. Pagel has led significant global change for animals. His passion for conservation was inspired from an early age by his father, who was also an animal lover.
His extraordinary success in breeding species in zoos and the wild include the Bali Starling, the first German breeding of Little Penguin, and the world’s first breeding of Elegant Pitta.
“What a great honour it is to receive the Kiessling Prize for Conservation. I am truly humbled.
I have always felt inspired to lead teams of enthusiastic animal experts and guide one of the most progressive and conservation-oriented zoos in Europe. Together, we’ve discovered new species and supported dozens of impactful conservation projects worldwide.”
2022 Recipient Dr. Jon Paul Rodríguez
Dr. Jon Paul Rodríguez
Chair
IUCN Species Survival Commission
For his work shaping impactful conservation policies, Dr. Rodríguez received the 2022 Kiessling Prize as its first recipient.
Dr. Rodríguez has been working for the conservation of species and ecosystems since he was a biology undergraduate at Universidad Central of Venezuela (UCV).
In 1987, with other students, he co-founded Provita, an NGO that has championed numerous evidence-based projects, including several editions of the Red Book of the Venezuelan Fauna and the Red Book of Terrestrial Ecosystems of Venezuela.
