Dr. Biruté Mary Galdikas (1946–2026) was a groundbreaking primatologist, founder of Orangutan Foundation International, and the world’s foremost expert on orangutans. Following her passing on March 24, 2026, her extraordinary legacy continues through the decades of research, conservation, and rehabilitation work she pioneered in the Bornean rainforest.

As one of Leakey’s Angels, also known as the Trimates — a team of groundbreaking female primatologists mentored by noted anthropologist Dr. Louis Leakey that included Dr. Jane Goodall, Dr. Dian Fossey, and Dr. Galdikas — she carried out one of the longest continuous studies of a wild mammal by one principal investigator in the history of science.

In this exclusive UNCHAINEDTV interview, we were privileged to discuss not only these intelligent, sentient beings but also how Orangutan Foundation International (OFI) has made significant strides to protect orangutans and their tropical rainforest habitat and help mitigate climate change. Hear incredible stories from Dr. Galdikas, including how she rescued and rehabilitated hundreds of orangutans during her more than fifty years in the rainforest of Borneo.

Support Orangutan Foundation International’s mission and help save orangutans and their tropical rainforest habitat from extinction. Please consider a donation to their orangutan and forest conservation programs. More information about Orangutan Foundation International can be found at http://www.orangutan.org

Donate now to save orangutans from extinction: https://orangutan.org/donate/

ABOUT ORANGUTAN FOUNDATION INTERNATIONAL

Established in 1986 by Dr. Biruté Mary Galdikas, Orangutan Foundation International’s mission is the conservation and protection of the critically endangered orangutan and their tropical rainforest habitat. Their work includes orangutan rescue, rehabilitation, repatriation and habitat protection; land acquisition and forest restoration; wildlife conservation outreach, education, and scientific research. Orangutan Foundation International stewards more than 1.5 million acres of protected rainforest habitat.