WASHINGTON, D.C., September 26, 2024 — Global Humane has awarded Dr. Arnaud Desbiez, President and Founder of the Wild Animal Conservation Institute (ICAS) in Brazil, with the 2024 Wolfgang Kiessling International Prize for Species Conservation. Desbiez has dedicated his life to creating a more harmonious coexistence between people and bio

This award was created in honor of Wolfgang F. Kiessling, the founder of Loro Parque and a global leader in conservation.

Global Humane’s Wolfgang Kiessling International Prize for Species Conservation seeks to recognize those leading conservation scientists who are making positive and meaningful changes in the fields of conservation and species preservation. With the future of up to one million species under pressure, it is important that we recognize and celebrate animal conservationists who are racing against the clock to save them.

“Arnaud Desbiez is a dedicated leader in the fight for species conservation”, said Dr. Robin Ganzert, President and CEO of Global Humane. “His work training the next generation of conservationists and working with zoos and aquariums to prevent the Sixth Mass Extinction is inspiring. We are so pleased to honor him with the Kiessling Prize as a hero for our planet and its animals.”

Desbiez has 20 years of experience in field conservation across Brazil and he has grown his interest in giant armadillos into a vital NGO working 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.

“I am greatly honored to be the recipient of the 2024 Wolfgang Kiessling International Prize for Species Conservation”, said Dr. Desbiez. “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.”

The mission of ICAS is to promote a more harmonious coexistence between people and biodiversity and to become a model for implementing inclusive solutions for species conservation. In addition to founding ICAS, Desbiez is also a Conservation Partner with the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland and a Professor of Environmental Conservation and Sustainability in Nazaré, São Paulo.

“Conservation is not just about saving species; it is about ensuring the survival of our planet’s most precious ecosystems and the intricate web of life they sustain”, said Wolfgang Kiessling. “The Wolfgang Kiessling Prize was created to honor those who demonstrate exceptional commitment and creativity in this vital endeavor. Dr. Arnaud Desbiez’s groundbreaking work in preserving endangered species like the giant armadillo and anteaters in South America exemplifies the dedication and innovation required to safeguard biodiversity.”

Global Humane received an overwhelming response to this year’s call for applications, receiving submissions from qualified candidates representing more than 25 countries across six continents. To help recognize the far-reaching impacts of these candidates, Global Humane has named five finalists, recognizing their tremendous contributions to species conservation.

The following conservation leaders were selected as the finalists for the 2024 Wolfgang Kiessling International Prize for Species Conservation:

• Robert Aruho (BVM, MSc.), Head of Conservancy, Veterinary Services and Mountain Bongo Program at the Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy.
• Kathleen Dudzinski, Founder and Director of the Dolphin Communication Project.
• Danté Fenolio, Vice President of the Center for Conservation & Research at the San Antonio Zoo.
• Alejandro Grajal, President and CEO of the Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle.
• Vivek Menon, Founder and Executive Director of the Wildlife Trust of India.

About the Award:

The Wolfgang Kiessling International Prize for Species Conservation was created to shine an international light on those who achieve significant positive change in the field of conservation practice, theory, and research. The Wolfgang Kiessling International Prize committee is led by Christoph Kiessling, Cybell Kiessling, Dr. Javier Almunia, Dr. Robin Ganzert, and Brad Andrews. The committee screens and votes on the applicants, ultimately choosing the top conservationist who receives the Kiessling Prize and a grant of $80,000 (U.S. currency) to help further their work to make significant contributions to the practical application, research, and theory of species protection. The first winner of the award was Dr. Jon Paul Rodriguez, the Chair of the IUCN Species Survival Commission. The Kiessling Prize is awarded annually.

About Wolfgang Kiessling and Loro Parque:

Wolfgang Kiessling is a world-renowned conservationist and founder of Loro Parque, one of the most well-respected zoological institutions in the world, named twice “#1 Zoo of the World” by TripAdvisor, and known for the excellence of its facilities and its incredible work to save species on the brink of extinction. Up until today, Loro Parque Fundación has saved 12 parrot species from extinction. Kiessling was awarded the Gold Medal of the bird journal Gefiederte Welt for the first breeding of the blue-throated macaw and was honored with the Gold Medal from the Government of the Canary Islands, the Gold Medal from the Government of Spain, named “Adoptive Son of Tenerife” by the Island Council as well as the Town of Puerto de la Cruz, and was also honored with Spain’s highest distinction: the Principe Felipe Award for Business Excellence.

Founded in 1972 by Kiessling, Loro Parque was initially created as a paradise for parrots and began its journey with only 150 parrots. The park, located on the island of Tenerife in Spain’s Canary Islands, now has more than 4,000 specimens of 350 different species and subspecies of parrots, demonstrating its outstanding success in boosting the parrot population. Loro Parque is also home to flamingos, cranes, penguins, and swans, as well as many species of mammals and marine life. As billions of human beings exhaust the world’s resources, Loro Parque plays a critical role in education, science, and conservation. In 2017, Loro Parque became the first zoo in Europe to receive Global Humane Certification, reinforcing its recognition as a global leader in animal welfare.