March 25, 2026 Jane 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, California90049 info@orangutan.org Explore Related Content Dr. Jane, News and Updates, Other Content This World Chimpanzee Day, let’s carry Dr. Jane’s work forward March 25, 2026 Read more Dr. Jane, News and Updates Dr. Jane in the New York Times: “2024 is the Most Consequential Voting Year Yet” March 25, 2026 Read more Illegal Wildlife Trade, News and Updates World Wildlife Day 2023: The Illegal Wildlife Trade and 50 Years of CITES March 25, 2026 Read more
