Patricia Wright (primatologist) facts for kids

Patricia Chapple Wright (born September 10, 1944) is an American scientist who studies primates (like monkeys and lemurs), anthropology (the study of human societies), and conservation (protecting nature). She is famous for her deep studies of wild lemurs in Madagascar.

Dr. Wright started the Institute for the Conservation of Tropical Environments at Stony Brook University. She has worked hard to protect nature and helped create the Ranomafana National Park in Madagascar.

Early Life and Learning

Patricia Wright was born in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, on September 10, 1944. Her mother, Julia Delores, was a school librarian, and her father, Hugh Edward Chapple, worked as a supervisor in a factory.

Her Education Journey

Patricia earned her first degree in biology from Hood College in 1966. Later, she went on to get her Ph.D. (a high-level university degree) in Anthropology from City University of New York in 1985.

Discovering Lemurs in Madagascar

In 1986, Dr. Wright traveled to Madagascar, a large island country off the coast of East Africa. She was looking for a special type of lemur called the greater bamboo lemur (Prolemur simus). People thought this lemur had died out a long time ago.

Finding New Lemur Species

But Patricia Wright found that the greater bamboo lemur was still alive! While searching, she also discovered a brand new species of lemur. This new lemur was named Hapalemur aureus, which is known as the golden bamboo lemur.

Protecting Nature: Centre ValBio

Patricia Wright created the Institute for the Conservation of Tropical Environments at Stony Brook University. This institute focuses on using science to protect nature and do research in tropical places, especially in Madagascar.

Ranomafana National Park

The institute helps many scientists work together across Madagascar, especially near Ranomafana National Park. Dr. Wright played a big part in setting up this national park, which is a safe home for many unique animals and plants. The institute also runs a modern research station in Madagascar called Centre ValBio.

Special Awards and Recognition

Dr. Patricia Wright has received many awards for her important work in science and conservation.

Key Achievements

• 2014: She was the first woman to win the Indianapolis Prize for Conservation. This is a very important award for people who work to save animals.
• 2012: The government of Madagascar gave her the Commandeur Medal of Honor, which is a very high award.
• 2007: Ranomafana National Park, which she helped create, was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This means it's recognized as a very important place for everyone in the world.
• 2006: A new species of lemur from Madagascar was named Lepilemur wrighaeti in her honor.
• 2004: The President of Madagascar gave her the "Medaille Officier de Madagascar," another high honor.
• 1995: She received the "Chevalier d'Ordre National," a National Medal of Honor from the President of Madagascar.
• 1989: She became a MacArthur Fellow, which is a special award given to talented people in many fields.

Featured in Media

Dr. Wright's work has been shown in many films and magazines, helping more people learn about lemurs and conservation.

Films and TV Shows

• 2016: She was featured on Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown, a TV show on CNN.
• 2014: She appeared in the IMAX film Island of Lemurs: Madagascar, which was narrated by Morgan Freeman.
• 2002: She was featured in David Attenborough's famous documentary series The Life of Mammals.

Magazines and Radio

• 2009/10: Her work was highlighted in National Geographic Magazine.
• 2006: She was featured in Smithsonian Magazine in an article called "For the Love of Lemurs."
• 2006: She was interviewed on the award-winning National Public Radio show "Life on Earth," which focused on Madagascar's amazing nature.

Books She Wrote

• 2014: For the Love of Lemurs: My Life in the Wilds of Madagascar
• 2013: High Moon Over the Amazon: My Quest to Understand the Monkeys of the Night

Animals Named After Her

Two animals have been named in honor of Patricia Wright because of her important discoveries and work:

• The rainbowfish Rheocles wrightae, a type of fish found in Madagascar.
• Wright's sportive lemur (Lepilemur wrighti), a species of lemur.