March 25, 2026Jane Goodall Institute of Canada’s statement on the passing of Dr. Biruté Galdikas The Jane Goodall Institute of Canada is deeply saddened by the passing of Dr. Biruté Galdikas — a renowned scientist and educator, an extraordinary conservationist, an Officer of the Order of Canada, and a tireless advocate for the orangutan.Dr. Biruté Galdikas grew up here in Canada. At the age of six, Biruté borrowed Curious George from the Toronto Public Library. The book made an incredible impression — and Biruté came away with the strong sense that her life, and her work, would involve animals and the natural world.After studying at the University of British Columbia, she kept that promise to herself. Alongside our founder, Dr. Jane Goodall, and the late Dian Fossey, Biruté was one of Louis Leakey’s three “trimates” — women who redefined humanity’s relationship with the natural world.While Dr. Jane looked into the eyes of chimpanzees and Dian stood among mountain gorillas, Biruté ventured deep into the forests of Borneo to become an advocate for the orangutan.Biruté also exemplified the principle that, to conserve a species, one must also safeguard its habitat. Her work reflects our own commitment to community-led conservation and to the intrinsic value of all living beings — principles she embodied long before they became the language of the conservation mainstream.Biruté’s unwavering dedication spanned more than five decades. Her legacy endures not only in the publications she authored and the students she taught at Simon Fraser University, but in the very survival of the species she cherished.Although the trimates have now passed, the work they championed and the mission they started has not ended. At the Jane Goodall Institute of Canada, we are deeply committed to the vision that they shared — a world where all living things coexist harmoniously.Today, we mourn with people across Canada and around the world. We extend our sincere condolences to Biruté’s family, to her colleagues at the Orangutan Foundation International, and to all who walked beside her in this work.To send your own message of condolence to the Orangutan Foundation International:Orangutan Foundation International822 ½ Wellesley AvenueLos Angeles, California90049info@orangutan.orgExplore Related Content Dr. Jane, News and UpdatesDr. Jane Goodall celebrates her 90th birthday with upcoming events in Canada, working tirelessly to safeguard the future of the planetMarch 25, 2026 Read more Good News Stories, News and Updates, Other Content“It was a little girl’s dream to save chimpanzees:” Dr. Rebeca Atencia wins Animal’s Health Sustainability AwardMarch 25, 2026 Read more Champions and Partners, From The Field, Good News Stories, Illegal Wildlife Trade, News and UpdatesJane Goodall Institute and partners lead safe transfer of rescued gorilla Bili to new home in Republic of the Congo March 25, 2026 Read more
