Lithuanian-born anthropologist Birutė Galdikas, one of the world’s foremost researchers of orangutans, has died at the age of 79.
The university said on Tuesday that she died in Los Angeles, United States, after a long illness. During her career, she received numerous international awards, including the United Nations Global 500 Award, the Tyler Prize for Environmental Achievement, and a PETA Humanitarian Award, among others.
Galdikas was an honorary doctor of Vytautas Magnus University (VDU) and maintained close ties with the institution. Members of Lithuania’s scientific community say her contribution to science and conservation will be remembered for centuries..
“She made an outstanding contribution to global science – and not only to science, but to environmental protection as a whole. As a distinguished anthropologist and one of the leading orangutan researchers, she earned great respect and recognition through her work and research,” VDU Rector Ineta Dabašinskienė told LRT RADIO on Tuesday.
“Her global recognition – through awards, documentary films made about her, book presentations and numerous publications – all testify to her remarkable contribution to academia, as well as to everyday awareness of animal welfare and environmental protection. These things are inseparable,” she addedy.
Ornithologist Marius Karlonas said Galdikas’ work and achievements in science and conservation would be remembered for centuries.
“She was the first in the world to describe orangutan reproduction, social structure, the bond between mother and infant, and many other aspects of their behaviour, ethology, ecology and biology. She was also among the first to speak out about the destruction of tropical forests and the negative impact of palm oil plantations on ecosystems.
She was unquestionably one of the most outstanding figures in the world and is rightly mentioned alongside such renowned primatologists as Jane Goodall and Dian Fossey. Her legacy will undoubtedly be remembered for centuries. This is a great loss for Lithuania and for the world – for both conservation and science,” said.
In a message of condolence, President Gitanas Nausėda said Galdikas had inspired generations to protect the planet and its biodiversity.
“We have lost a figure who became, across the world, a powerful symbol of the fight to preserve living nature. A scientist of global renown, she devoted her entire life to environmental protection and research. For generations in Lithuania and worldwide, she became a source of inspiration and an example in safeguarding our planet and its natural diversity,” he said.
Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys said Galdikas was one of the most prominent figures of Lithuanian origin worldwide, an exceptional scientist who “devoted her entire life to environmental protection and the study of endangered orangutan populations”.
“Through her wide-ranging academic and public work, Birutė Galdikas not only enriched global science but also consistently promoted Lithuania’s name, nurtured her Baltic roots, and remained an inspiring example for future generations,” he said.
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