A native frog expert has been named the inaugural Auckland Zoo Conservationist of the Year.
Otago University frog research leader Phil Bishop has been given $1000 towards a frog conservation project. Dr Bishop, passionate about frogs and toads since he was four, said he was "truly honoured" to receive the award during the global Year of the Frog.
"We have the most significant frogs in the world, and several species are in danger of becoming extinct in our life time.
"It's morally irresponsible for us to sit back and document their declines without working to prevent their extinction."
Ten-year-old Isabella Wilson of Auckland was named Young Conservationist of the Year for her campaign against the use of palm oil.
She was inspired to crusade against the use of palm oil after attending the zoo's Orangutan Encounter early this year.
She said palm oil, used in many everyday products, was grown in tropical climates, including Indonesia - where rainforests were being cleared at a rapid rate to produce it, depriving the now critically endangered Orangutan of its natural habitat.
"The Orangutans aren't doing anything to us, but we are killing them. They are amazing animals they are the closest mammals to humans," Isabella said
She has challenged local retailers and restaurants, given a talk to her school and rid her family's and neighbour's pantries of palm oil.
Auckland Zoo conservation officer Peter Fraser said the winners were shining examples of how people with passion could make a difference.
NZPA