Open lecture at VMU by Birutė Galdikas

On October 20–26, Professor Birutė Galdikas, a world-renowned scientist of Lithuanian descent, anthropologist, primatologist, the most prominent researcher of orangutans and the VMU Honorary Doctor, is paying a visit to Lithuania. 

This year, the Professor celebrates 50 years of her work. On this occasion, the famous anthropologist is attending meetings with the representatives of the university community and has already participated in the World Lithuanian Communities’ forum. Having worked in the field of environment conservation for many years, the Professor says that the current pandemic is the consequence of the destruction of the environment.

This year marks 50 years since 1971 when Professor Galdikas established the first orangutan care center in the Tanjung Puting National Park, located in the island of Borneo, Indonesia. She continues her work in environment conservation at the center to this day, making every effort to conserve these primates and their habitat.

Fifty years ago, Galdikas, together with two other scientists Jane Goodall and Dian Fossey, became a member of The Trimates, a group dedicated to studying primates. The group was brought together by Professor Louis Leakey, a famous paleoanthropologist. Fossey passed away in Rwanda in 1985, fighting for the conservation of mountain gorillas. The remaining two members of The Trimates, both established primatologists, continue their work to this day.

The scientists not only aim to conserve the natural habitat of primates and their ability to survive, but they also inform the world about the importance of conserving wildlife for the future of mankind. As early as 1980, Professor Galdikas emphasized the links between the emergence of HIV and the destruction of tropical forests in Africa. Today, the scientist has no doubt that the crisis of the current global pandemic is the consequence of the destruction of natural wildlife. Through her active work, the professor seeks to demonstrate that the destruction of primate habitats not only leads to the loss of biodiversity, but also has catastrophic consequences for the survival of our planet and humanity. According to her, “if we save orangutans, we save ourselves.”

On Monday October 25, 10 A.M., Professor Galdikas will hold an open lecture. Those who wish to participate are invited to join the live broadcast of the lecture.