American Biologist Honored With China Environment Prize

Schaller is a senior conservationist with the Wildlife Conservation Society's Asia Programs and has worked with the Bronx Zoo-based organization for more than 50 years. He has worked in China for much of the last 28 years.

The $70,000 prize was established in 2000 by the China Environmental Protection Foundation to honor and encourage individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to the cause of environmental protection in China. The foundation was the first nonprofit organization in China dedicated to environmental protection.

"George Schaller has been and continues to be a role model and driving force for conservation," said Dr. Steven Sanderson, president and CEO of the Wildlife Conservation Society. "After more than 50 years of groundbreaking field research on some of the world's best-known wildlife, George continues to define the field of conservation biology and works tirelessly to preserve our natural heritage."