Biruté Galdikas, Pioneering Orangutan Conservationist, Dies at 79

Biruté Mary Galdikas, a Canadian scientist renowned for her groundbreaking research and unwavering dedication to the conservation of orangutans, has died at the age of 79. Her passing marks the end of an era, as she was the last surviving member of the “trimates” – a group of three female primatologists, alongside Jane Goodall and Dian Fossey, who revolutionized our understanding of great apes.

A Lifetime Dedicated to Orangutans

Galdikas passed away on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, in Los Angeles, following a battle with lung cancer, according to the Orangutan Foundation International (OFI), an organization she founded in 1986 to support her research in Borneo, Indonesia. CBC News reports that her work spanned nearly 55 years.

In 1971, mentored by Dr. Louis Leakey, Galdikas began a landmark study of wild orangutans in Borneo, mirroring the work of Goodall with chimpanzees and Fossey with gorillas. The Jane Goodall Institute USA highlighted the significance of her research, which revealed crucial insights into orangutan behavior, including their long birth intervals, diet, and ecological roles.

The “Trimates” and a Legacy of Conservation

Galdikas, Goodall, and Fossey – collectively known as the “trimates” – transformed the field of primatology and inspired countless individuals, particularly women, to pursue careers in science and conservation. National Geographic documented her early work, which challenged existing assumptions about orangutan behavior, demonstrating they spent more time on the ground than previously believed.

Beyond research, Galdikas was a pioneer in orangutan rehabilitation, establishing the first large-scale, long-term program in Indonesia. She dedicated herself to protecting orangutans and their rainforest habitat, recognizing their sentience and intrinsic connection to the natural world. The Jane Goodall Institute USA emphasized her steadfast dedication to these principles.

A Lasting Impact

Ruth Linsky, a PhD candidate at Simon Fraser University and a board member of OFI’s Canadian branch, described Galdikas as a “unique soul” whose life revolved around orangutans. CBC News reported Linsky was present with family when Galdikas passed away.

Dr. Galdikas’s legacy extends beyond her scientific contributions. Her tireless work serves as a call to action, reminding us of our shared responsibility to protect orangutans and their rainforest home for future generations. Orangutan.org celebrates her life and dedication to conservation.