INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — A prize sponsored by the Indianapolis zoo that honors scientists who've dedicated their lives to animal conservation is growing from $100,000 to $250,000.

The Indianapolis Zoo says The Indianapolis Prize's cash award was increased based on several factors, including continued financial support from the Eli Lilly & Co. Foundation.

The Indianapolis Star reports (http://indy.st/XdpGod ) the prize is already the largest of its kind. It was established by the zoo and is funded largely by the Lilly Foundation with support from a host of other donors.

The biennial prize honors scientists and researchers who've dedicated their lives to animal conservation.

Last year's winner was polar bear researcher Steven Amstrup, who's a senior scientist at Polar Bear International. He's renowned for discovering snow dens where Alaskan polar bears have their young.

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Information from: The Indianapolis Star, http://www.indystar.com