The Noble Conservation Center is pleased to announce that its Founder, Venerable Panadure Vimukthirathana Thissa, formerly Dr. B. Vijitha Perera, has been named a Nominee for the 2027 Indianapolis Prize.
Established by the Indianapolis Zoo, the Indianapolis Prize recognizes direct conservation work that contributes to the long-term sustainability of animal species. For Venerable Vimukthirathana Thissa, the nomination marks international recognition of more than 26 years of frontline wildlife veterinary and conservation service in Sri Lanka.
From 1998 to 2024, his work encompassed emergency wildlife medicine, Asian elephant rehabilitation and release, human-elephant conflict, translocation, radio-collaring and post-release monitoring, wildlife disease investigation, conservation research, professional training and public conservation education.
From the Wilderness to the Mind
After completing government wildlife service in 2024, Dr. Perera entered Buddhist monastic life as Venerable Panadure Vimukthirathana Thissa. Through the Noble Conservation Center, he continues the same journey by strengthening the people behind conservation through scientific understanding, ethical clarity, reflection and resilience.
The Barefoot Vet
The Barefoot Vet From the Wilderness to the Mind is a ten-volume series preserving the experiences, science, people and lessons of 26 years in wildlife conservation for conservationists, students and readers internationally.
Discover The Barefoot Vet SeriesA Recognition Shared with Many
This nomination reflects the work of wildlife officers and field staff, veterinarians, researchers, universities, conservation organizations, international collaborators, local communities, supporters and many others committed to the protection and rehabilitation of wildlife in Sri Lanka.
The work continues.