Honoring a Life of Devotion to Orangutans: Remembering Dr. Birutė Galdikas

In Memory: Dr. Biruté Mary Galdikas (1946-2026)

The world lost a conservation heroine who redefined our understanding of orangutans. Renowned primatologist Dr. Birutė Mary Galdikas passed away on March 24, 2026, at the age of 79. While her loss leaves a void in the forests of Borneo, her legacy lives on in many Indonesian sanctuaries that work so hard to rescue and rehabilitate orangutans… and even here at the Center for Great Apes.

For over five decades, Dr. Galdikas dedicated her life to orangutans -- the "gardeners of the forest," transforming our understanding of these elusive great apes.

Dr. Galdikas’s journey began at age 25 when she convinced Louis Leakey to support her quest into the wild. She became one of "Leakey’s Angels," along with Jane Goodall and Dian Fossey, also known as the “Trimates”. As she stepped into the dense rainforests of Borneo over 50 years ago, Birutė began one of the longest continuous studies of a single wild primate species in history.

Biruté was more than a scientist; she was a protector. She spent decades rehabilitating orphaned orangutans—many of them former illegal pets—giving them a second chance at a life in the forest canopy. Through her organization, the Orangutan Foundation International, she fought against the encroachment of logging and palm oil plantations. Her legacy lives on in the hundreds of orphaned orangutans she rehabilitated and the rainforest she fought to protect.

The Foundation of the Center for Great Apes

Without the early inspiration and mentorship of Dr. Galdikas, the Center for Great Apes (the only accredited orangutan sanctuary in the Americas) would not exist.

In 1984 and 1985, our founder, Patti Ragan, spent five months in Borneo working alongside Dr. Galdikas. That experience provided the knowledge and experience necessary to care for an infant orangutan in Florida named Pongo. Biruté twice visited Pongo at our sanctuary in Wauchula, also serving on the Center’s Advisory Board in the early years.

Dr. Biruté with Patti Ragan

Pongo, now 36 years old, is a living testament to Biruté’s inspiration. Today, 90 great apes have found sanctuary, dignity, and a future at the Center for Great Apes.

We honor Dr. Galdikas’ memory by continuing the work she inspired us to begin. Rest in peace, Biruté. Your legacy lives on in every ape we care for.

Dr. Biruté Galdikas with

Dr. Jane Goodall

Dr. Biruté Galdikas

Tomorrow is the Day!

Tomorrow is the day, and there’s still time to join us for Spring Member Day!

Members attend at no cost and are invited to enjoy a peaceful stroll through the sanctuary. If your membership has lapsed—or if you’ve been thinking about joining—you can still renew or sign up and be part of this special afternoon.

Guests are welcome for $50 per adult and $25 per youth, with each ticket helping provide daily care and enrichment for the orangutans and chimpanzees.

Gates open at 11:30 a.m. for food and shopping, with the Sanctuary Stroll from 12:30–3:30 p.m. We hope to see you here!

Spring Member Day Registration

Two Special Events to Celebrate at the Sanctuary

May 9, 2026

Muffins and Ape Moms

Celebrate Mother’s Day with a meaningful visit to the sanctuary at Muffins and Ape Moms. This special morning includes light pastries and beverages, along with a guided experience similar to our Afternoon with the Apes tour.

Along the way, you’ll learn about several of our ape mothers and their journeys to sanctuary, and hear reflections from Founding Director Patti Ragan on the sanctuary’s history and the strong bonds within ape families.

Space is limited, so we encourage you to register early and be part of this memorable morning.

June 20, 2026

Drinks and Ape Dads

Celebrate the fathers and father figures in your life with a special visit to the sanctuary at Drinks and Ape Dads. This experience includes refreshing beverages and light refreshments, along with a guided visit similar to our Afternoon with the Apes tour.

Along the way, you’ll learn about several of the remarkable ape dads and dominant males who call the sanctuary home, and hear reflections from Founding Director Patti Ragan on the sanctuary’s history and the roles these individuals play within their families.

Space is limited, so we encourage you to register early and be part of this memorable visit.

Employment Opportunities

We are seeking passionate individuals who share our commitment to the well-being of these remarkable great apes. We are currently seeking:

Caregiver
Caregiver Assistant
Welder

If you possess the skills and experience we are looking for (or know someone who does), we encourage you to apply today! You can visit our employment page on the website for more details on these positions and the application process.

March 28, 2026 - Spring Member Day

April 11, 2026 - Ape-ology: In the Field (Nutrition) - Only 1 ticket remaining!

April 23, 2026 - Afternoon with the Apes

May 9, 2026 - Muffins and Ape Moms

May 15, 2026 - Afternoon with the Apes

June 20, 2026 - Drinks and Ape Dads

Other Ways To Help

Thank you for supporting the Center for Great Apes!