Indianapolis conservation prize growing to $250,000

A prize sponsored by the Indianapolis Zoo that honors scientists who've dedicated their lives to animal conservation is growing from $100,000 to $250,000.

The Indianapolis Zoo says The Indianapolis Prize's cash award was increased based on several factors, including continued financial support from the Eli Lilly and Co. Foundation.

The prize is already the largest of its kind. It was established by the zoo and is funded largely by the Lilly Foundation with support from a host of other donors, The Indianapolis Star reported.

The biennial prize honors scientists and researchers who've dedicated their lives to animal conservation.

Last year's winner was polar bear researcher Steven Amstrup, who's a senior scientist at Polar Bear International. He's renowned for discovering snow dens where Alaskan polar bears have their young.
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