At Loro Parque, we are thrilled to share news that resonates deeply with the core values of our mission: the opening of applications for the third annual Wolfgang Kiessling International Prize for Species Conservation by Global Humane. This prestigious award, named after our founder and conservation pioneer, Wolfgang F. Kiessling, aims to recognize and support exceptional individuals dedicated to preserving the incredible wildlife of our world.
At a critical moment for our planet, facing a sixth mass extinction with up to a million species at risk of vanishing, wildlife conservation becomes an absolute priority. The Kiessling Prize not only highlights those conservation heroes on a global stage but also provides support to continue their vital work.
The Kiessling Prize selection committee, comprising prominent figures in the conservation field, including Christoph Kiessling and Dr. Javier Almunia from our own Loro Parque family, will be responsible for reviewing the applications. We seek to honor an individual whose contribution has not only been extraordinary but also offers practical and sustainable solutions for species protection.
Last year, the honor went to Professor Theo B. Pagel, whose life dedicated to wildlife conservation serves as an inspiration to us all. And in 2022, Dr. Jon Paul Rodríguez was recognized for his leadership in the IUCN Species Survival Commission.
We invite conservationists worldwide to submit their applications before June 1, 2024, for a chance to be part of this conservation legacy. This award not only celebrates past achievements but also encourages innovation and ongoing commitment to protecting our most vulnerable species.
Since its inception in 1972, Loro Parque has been a sanctuary for preservation and education. With the support of the Loro Parque Foundation, we have managed to save 12 parrot species from extinction, proving that concerted and passionate action can reverse the worrying trends our global species face.
This award embodies the essence of what Wolfgang Kiessling and Loro Parque have represented for decades: an unwavering commitment to excellence in animal care and species conservation. We are proud to continue this legacy through the Kiessling Prize and look forward to celebrating and supporting the next generation of conservation leaders.
For more information about the award and how to apply, we invite you to visit: https://humaneconservation.org/kiessling/
Together, we can make a significant difference in the fight for species survival and the preservation of our natural world.
