As tournament season sweeps across the country, the Indianapolis Zoo is inviting the public to take part in a bracket-style competition with a powerful purpose: protecting the planet’s most vulnerable species.
Nearly 50,000 species worldwide are currently at risk of extinction due to climate change, habitat loss and over exploitation. In response, the Zoo—through its Global Center for Species Survival and in partnership with the IUCN Species Survival Commission—has launched the Uproar Conservation Challenge presented by T-Fiber.
The initiative is designed to spark curiosity, inspire learning and mobilize action for at-risk species around the globe. Voting is now open, and participants can join the challenge by visiting UproarChallenge.com.
“Conservation is not only for field scientists. Conservation is a worldwide effort that applies to everyone,” said Nico de Bruyn, Vice President for Conservation and Education at the Indianapolis Zoo and Director of the Global Center for Species Survival. “The Uproar Conservation Challenge is a great entry point for people to learn about species they may have never heard of before.”
Over the next three weeks, the public can vote in a head-to-head, bracket-style competition featuring 64 at-risk animals, plants and fungi. Each round will narrow the field until one species is crowned the Uproar champion. Participation is free, and organizers hope the interactive format will engage people of all ages in conservation efforts.
Beyond awareness, the challenge delivers tangible support. The Zoo will distribute more than $50,000 in conservation grants to aid the scientists and organizations working to protect each featured species. Importantly, every species in the competition will receive funding, ensuring no participant leaves empty-handed. The ultimate winner will earn a $10,000 grand prize directed to the IUCN Specialist Group dedicated to its survival.
The competition will culminate in a Celebration for Conservation event on Saturday, April 4, at the Indianapolis Zoo. The event will feature music, games and a live announcement of the winning species as final votes are tallied.
By blending education, engagement and direct funding, the Uproar Conservation Challenge offers a unique opportunity for the public to make a meaningful impact—one vote at a time.
