Oct. 7, 2009 (United Press International) -- The president of the American Bird Conservancy, George Fenwick, is one of 29 people nominated to receive the 2010 Indianapolis Prize for animal conservation.

Fenwick was nominated for his contribution to the conservation of native wild birds and their habitats, Indianapolis Zoo officials said. The zoo coordinates the biannual program.

Officials said the 29 nominees' work spans the globe, representing a range of species from insects to mammals, and includes amphibians, elephants, bats, wolves and sharks, among many others.

A nominating committee will select six finalists, who will be announced next spring. The winner will be announced in mid-2010 and honored during the next Indianapolis Prize Gala, to be held Sept. 25, 2010, in Indianapolis.

In addition to receiving a $100,000 prize, the recipient is awarded the Lilly Medal, signifying the winner's contributions to conserving some of the world's most threatened animals. The 2008 Indianapolis Prize was awarded to biologist George Schaller.

The Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY) Foundation has provided funding for the Indianapolis Prize since 2006.

A list of the 2010 Indianapolis Prize nominees is available at http://www.indyzoo.com/pdf/Nominees%20Announcement%20Release.pdf.