With Dr. Biruté Galdikas passing, an extraordinary chapter in the history of primatology and environmental advocacy comes to an end. Decades ago, Louis Leakey (1903-1972) envisioned three women who would redefine humanity’s relationship with the natural world. Alongside our founder, Dr. Jane Goodall (1934-2025), and the late Dian Fossey (1932-1985), Biruté stepped into the unknown as the last of the “Trimates.” While Jane looked into the eyes of chimpanzees and Dian stood among the mountain gorillas, Biruté ventured into the deep, humid forests of Borneo to become the voice of the orangutan. Together, they did more than just conduct research; they broke the glass ceiling of science and showed that empathy is as vital a tool as observation.
Biruté’s unwavering dedication spanned fifty-five years, during which she consistently served as a dedicated guardian of the “person of the forest.” Her recent struggle with pulmonary fibrosis—a condition presumably exacerbated by her valiant efforts to combat the wildfires devastating Borneo’s peat swamps—attests to her indomitable warrior spirit. She did not merely study the orangutan; she actively fought alongside them until her final breath. At the Jane Goodall Institute Global, we acknowledge that our mission has always been inherently linked with hers. Biruté exemplified the principle that to conserve a species, one must also safeguard its habitat. Her work reflects our own enduring commitment to community-centered conservation and the intrinsic value of all living beings.
She was a pioneer whose courage was as vast as the forests she protected. She demonstrated that humanity is not separate from nature, but inherently part of it. Her legacy endures not only in the publications she authored but also in the very survival of the species she cherished. Although the three original Trimates have now passed into history, their influence remains steadfast. We at JGI Global reaffirm our commitment to the vision they shared: A world where humans coexist harmoniously with the great apes and the Earth we all inhabit. Our deepest condolences are extended to her family, colleagues at OFI, and the people of Indonesia, who regarded her as a “Hero for the Earth.” May she rest in peace. Today, the canopy stands a little quieter.
Sending Condolences
Messages of condolence may be sent to the Orangutan Foundation International (OFI)
822 ½ Wellwsley Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90049, USA
info@orangutan.org
+1 (310) 820-4906
https://orangutan.org/tribute-to-dr-birute-mary-galdikas/
