Champions of wildlife and wild places win prestigious awards

The National Geographic Society honors Explorers working to protect elephants, bats, a rare antelope—and millions of miles of ocean.

She’s devoted her life to protecting Kenya’s elephants.

Now conservation biologist Paula Kahumbu has been named the Rolex National Geographic Explorer of the Year, an honor given annually by the National Geographic Society to an individual who shines a critical light on important issues facing our planet.

It’s one of four awards presented by the Society this week during its Explorers Festival, held virtually for the first time. Other honors include two Buffett Awards for Leadership in Conservation, and the Hubbard Medal—the Society’s highest distinction. 

“In a strange and fantastic way, it's an endorsement that I'm on the right path,” Kahumbu says of her award, “and that I should keep going.” She is the CEO of

DON'T MISS THE REST OF THIS STORY!
Create a free account to continue and get unlimited access to hundreds of Nat Geo articles, plus newsletters.

Create your free account to continue reading

No credit card required. Unlimited access to free content.
Or get a Premium Subscription to access the best of Nat Geo - just $19
SUBSCRIBE

Read This Next

Did this mysterious human relative bury its dead?
This new birth control for cats doesn't require surgery
How the Zoot Suit Riots changed America

Go Further

Subscriber Exclusive Content

Why are people so dang obsessed with Mars?

How viruses shape our world

The era of greyhound racing in the U.S. is coming to an end

See how people have imagined life on Mars through history

See how NASA’s new Mars rover will explore the red planet

Why are people so dang obsessed with Mars?

How viruses shape our world

The era of greyhound racing in the U.S. is coming to an end

See how people have imagined life on Mars through history

See how NASA’s new Mars rover will explore the red planet

Why are people so dang obsessed with Mars?

How viruses shape our world

The era of greyhound racing in the U.S. is coming to an end

See how people have imagined life on Mars through history

See how NASA’s new Mars rover will explore the red planet