Global Wildlife Ambassadors
The Jane Alexander Global Wildlife Ambassadors
While the Prize showcases the incredible work of scientists in the field, their work can’t end in the remote reaches of the wild. Oftentimes it takes an ambassador to inspire and encourage the public to find their own role in conservation efforts, both locally and globally, and to create conversations regarding wild things in wild places. The Indianapolis Prize created the Jane Alexander Global Wildlife Ambassador Award to recognize this dedicated advocacy and outreach, and the inestimable contributions of a very few remarkable men and women who are changing the future by sharing their passion for our planet’s wild wonders with others. Named in honor of award-winning actress and dedicated conservationist Jane Alexander, the “Ambassador” award is given to an individual who supports the natural world by leading others to action and lending a credible, consistent and effective public voice for the sustainability of wildlife.
Joel Sartore
Wildlife photographer and National Geographic Explorer Joel Sartore was named the 2023 Jane Alexander Global Wildlife Ambassador for his iconic, portrait photography of at-risk animals. In 2006, Sartore and National Geographic founded the Photo Ark project to inspire people to help protect at-risk species through documentary photography and videos. Sartore has captured 46,777 images and videos for the Photo Ark featuring more than 14,000 species (and counting). The project is estimated to take 30-years to complete. In 2023, Sartore collaborated with the United States Postal Service to release a special edition of Forever Stamps, featuring images from the Photo Ark. The stamps commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Endangered Species Act, first signed into law in Dec. 1973. Additionally, Sartore specializes in documenting biodiversity and landscapes around the world as a 30-year contributor for National Geographic, Audubon, The New York Times and Smithsonian.
His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco
An avid sportsman and five-time Olympian, His Serene Highness Prince Albert II has a distinguished history as a conservationist. In fact, he comes from a long line of conservationists beginning with his great-great grandfather Prince Albert I. His Serene Highness is an unequivocal champion of making choices and implementing policies that will benefit generations to come.
As an advocate, His Serene Highness Prince Albert II has spent his adult life limiting the effects of climate change. In 2006, His Serene Highness established the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation to address the planet’s alarming environmental situation. The Foundation raises funds and initiates action for ecological sustainability, establishes partnerships and carries out projects that limit the effects of climate change. The Foundation and Prince Albert II have also worked with the 2021 Indianapolis Prize Winner and seahorse champion Dr. Amanda Vincent.
Harrison Ford
His characters on the big screen are daring, courageous and on save-the-world kinds of missions. In real life, it’s much the same for actor and environmentalist Harrison Ford. His bold devotion to planet Earth is truly heroic, earning him the 2018 Jane Alexander Global Wildlife Ambassador title. A dedicated supporter of Conservation International for more than 25 years, Ford believes nothing is more important than preserving the environment. Through his extensive work, whether patrolling the Hudson River by helicopter or trekking through the forests of Indonesia to understand the unsustainable palm oil crisis affecting species like orangutans, including young apes at rescue and rehabilitation centers in Nyaru Menteng, his hands-on approach has led him on worldwide excursions alongside respected scientists and experts. He helped secure protection of more than 40 million acres on three continents as part of the Global Conservation Fun, making him a true hero for wild things and wild places.
Sigourney Weaver
Sigourney Weaver, an award-winning actor, has been an advocate for the mountain gorillas of Rwanda since her starring role in the 1988 film Gorillas in the Mist, and serves as honorary chair of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International. Sigourney brought her credibility to BBC’s highly popular series Planet Earth as narrator, joined other conservationists at the United Nations General Assembly in 2006, and has earned multiple awards from the Explorer’s Club and Audubon’s Women in Conservation. Weaver has captivated audiences with unique and memorable characters. She continues to lend her voice in honor of conservation efforts and roles.
Jane Alexander
The inaugural Jane Alexander Global Wildlife Ambassador Award was presented to its namesake in recognition of her decades-long commitment as a voice and champion for species. Jane considers being a conservationist her most important and challenging role, and this award will continue to showcase strides being made to protect Earth’s incredible animals and habitats. The Tony and Emmy award-winning actor’s advocacy for wild things and wild places has included involvement with the Wildlife Conservation Society, the Audubon Society and Panthera. An avid author, her most recent book, Wild Things, Wild Places, tells about her travels with field biologists over the past 35 years. Alexander is an Honorary Chair of the Indianapolis Prize.