We mourn the passing of primatologist Birutė Galdikas (1946–2026), one of the leading figures in the study and protection of orangutans, who had recently been awarded the UPF-CAE Senior Fellowship.

Galdikas dedicated her life to the research and conservation of this species in Borneo and is widely regarded as one of the world’s foremost experts on these primates. Her work made a decisive contribution to scientific knowledge and to the protection of great apes and their habitats. She was also known for her strong commitment to environmental protection, as well as for her scientific rigour and precision.

"She remained deeply concerned about the future of orangutans until the very end. Even when she was already seriously ill, she asked about the progress of Spain’s Great Ape Law and how it might become a pioneering piece of legislation worldwide. Her passing is a great loss for orangutans, for nature conservation, for science, and for all of us" says Paula Casal, who continued to receive her messages until just a few weeks ago.

At the UPF-CAE, we express our heartfelt condolences and honour her scientific legacy and enduring commitment to conservation.

Biruté Galdikas, ‘in memoriam’, by Paula Casal.