The Trimates facts for kids

The Trimates, also known as Leakey's Angels, is a special name given to three amazing women: Jane Goodall, Dian Fossey, and Biruté Galdikas. They were chosen by a famous scientist named Louis Leakey. Their mission was to study different types of apes in their natural homes. Jane Goodall studied chimpanzees, Dian Fossey focused on gorillas, and Biruté Galdikas observed orangutans. These women became pioneers in understanding our closest animal relatives.

How the Trimates Began

Louis Leakey was a scientist very interested in how early humans and apes lived. He wanted to understand the environment where an ancient ape called Proconsul once lived. He noticed that the homes of chimpanzees and gorillas were similar to this ancient environment.

For many years, Leakey searched for people to study these animals. In 1958, he created the Tigoni Primate Research Center to help fund this important work. With help from groups like the National Geographic Society, this center provided money for all three women Leakey called the "Trimates."

By the time Louis Leakey passed away in 1972, Jane Goodall and Dian Fossey had already made big discoveries in Africa. Biruté Galdikas was just starting her studies in Indonesia.

Jane Goodall's Chimpanzee Studies

Jane Goodall Jane Goodall started her first study of chimpanzees in Gombe Stream National Park in Tanzania. She had always loved animals and Africa. In 1957, she met Louis Leakey. Leakey was looking for someone to study chimpanzees. He asked Jane to work for him as a secretary first.

After getting approval from his wife, Mary Leakey, Louis told Jane his plans. He wanted her to study chimpanzees in the wild. In 1958, Leakey sent Jane to London to learn about primate behavior and anatomy.

In 1960, Jane Goodall went to Gombe with her mother. Her mother's presence helped ensure their safety. Jane began her groundbreaking work, observing chimpanzees up close. She discovered many new things about their lives and behaviors.

Dian Fossey and Mountain Gorillas

Dian Fossey In 1967, Dian Fossey began her long study of mountain gorillas in the Virunga Mountains of Rwanda. Before this, she worked with children who had disabilities. She had always been interested in animals. In 1963, she took a trip to Africa. During this trip, she met Louis Leakey.

In 1966, Leakey met Dian again and asked her to study gorillas. He wanted her to continue the work that another scientist, George Schaller, had started. On January 6, 1967, Dian arrived in the Virunga Mountains. She set up her camp and began her observations.

Dian seemed to have a special connection with the gorillas. She quickly succeeded in observing them. She continued to study these amazing animals and worked hard to protect them from poachers until her death in 1985.

Biruté Galdikas and Orangutans

Biruté Galdikas When Jane Goodall and Dian Fossey were already deep into their studies, Biruté Galdikas attended a lecture by Louis Leakey in 1969. She was a student at UCLA. Biruté already wanted to study orangutans. After the lecture, she asked Leakey for his help.

Leakey had wanted someone to study orangutans for years. He had even asked Jane Goodall, but she was busy with chimpanzees. Leakey interviewed Biruté the next day. He accepted her request to study orangutans.

Over the next few months, Leakey helped set up her expedition. In 1971, Biruté Galdikas began her field studies of orangutans in the jungles of Borneo. Her work helped us learn a lot about these unique red apes.

See also

In Spanish: Los Ángeles de Leakey para niños