Dr. Rebecca Cliffe, founder and Executive Director of The Sloth Conservation Foundation (SloCo), has been nominated for the 2027 Indianapolis Prize Emerging Conservationist Award, recognizing her contributions to sloth research and wildlife conservation.
The Indianapolis Prize is one of the world's most prestigious awards for animal conservation, celebrating conservationists who have made significant contributions to protecting species and their habitats.
The Emerging Conservationist Award recognizes conservation leaders early in their careers whose work is making a meaningful difference for wildlife and biodiversity.
Advancing Sloth Research and Conservation
Dr. Rebecca Cliffe is a British zoologist and one of the world's leading experts in sloth biology and conservation. She has dedicated her career to studying these elusive mammals and translating scientific research into practical conservation solutions.
As the founder of The Sloth Conservation Foundation, a nonprofit organization based in Costa Rica, Dr. Cliffe leads initiatives focused on protecting wild sloths and their rainforest habitats.
Her work combines scientific research, habitat protection, wildlife connectivity, education, and advocacy to address the growing threats facing sloths, including habitat fragmentation, urban development, and the international wildlife trade.
International Recognition for Sloth Conservation
Since founding The Sloth Conservation Foundation in 2017, Dr. Cliffe has worked to bridge the gap between scientific research and conservation action.
Dr. Cliffe at the Future For Nature Awards
Her contributions to wildlife conservation have earned international recognition. In 2022, she received the prestigious Future For Nature Award, and in 2024, Swansea University awarded her an Honorary Doctor of Science (DSc) in recognition of her pioneering work in sloth research and conservation.
Honorary award at Swansea University
More recently, in 2026, The Sloth Conservation Foundation was selected as one of three global finalists for the St Andrews Prize for the Environment, receiving runner-up recognition for its Connected Gardens project, an initiative that restores habitat connectivity and helps protect sloths and other arboreal wildlife in Costa Rica.
Dr. Cliffe as one of the finalists for the St. Andrews Prize
Her nomination for the 2027 Indianapolis Prize Emerging Conservationist Award marks another important milestone in a career dedicated to understanding and protecting sloths, and reflects the growing international recognition of The Sloth Conservation Foundation's research and conservation work.
