The Passing of Biruté Mary Galdikas Marks the End of the Trimates Era, Three Resilient Women Preserving Great Apes

The passing of Prof. Biruté Mary Galdikas on Tuesday, 24 March 2026, leaves not only sorrow for Indonesia but also for global scientific history. Biruté was the last member of the group known as the Trimates (sometimes called Leakey’s Angels), three female scientists sent to remote corners of the world to uncover the secrets of great apes.

Formed by the legendary anthropologist Louis Leakey in the late 1960s, the Trimates consisted of Jane Goodall, Dian Fossey, and Biruté Mary Galdikas. Each dedicated her life to one species of great ape in different locations.

Jane Goodall was the first sent by Leakey in 1960 to Gombe Stream, Tanzania. Without a bachelor’s degree at the time, Jane made revolutionary discoveries that chimpanzees can make and use tools—abilities previously thought to be unique to humans. To this day, in her advanced years, Jane remains active as a global environmental activist through the Jane Goodall Institute.

Dian Fossey began her studies on mountain gorillas in Rwanda in 1966. She was known for her highly protective approach towards the gorillas’ habitat from the threats of poachers. Her tragic life story—she was found murdered in her research camp in 1985—was immortalised in the legendary film Gorillas in the Mist. Her struggles succeeded in saving mountain gorillas from the brink of extinction.

Biruté Mary Galdikas was the youngest member to join in 1971. She chose the most challenging task: researching solitary orangutans in the dense rainforests of Central Kalimantan, Indonesia. Biruté founded Camp Leakey in Tanjung Puting and became the scientist with the longest duration of field research in the history of primatology (over 50 years).

The Trimates did not only provide scientific data for the academic world. They were pioneers who proved that emotional involvement and total dedication in the field are key to conservation. They transformed primatology from mere distant observation into real action for species salvation.

Now, with the passing of Biruté Galdikas, the baton of guarding great apes is in the hands of the next generation. However, the name “The Trimates” will always be recorded as the three main pillars that reminded humanity that we are not alone on this planet.

Renowned orangutan conservationist figure, Prof. Biruté Mary Galdikas, is reported to have passed away on Tuesday, 24 March 2026. She died in Los Angeles, United States of America.