The Current The legacy of Canadian primatologist Birute Galdikas
Apr 7, 2026
Birute Galdikas, Canadian anthropologist and primatologist who spent decades studying orangutans in Borneo and taught at Simon Fraser University. She recounts entering unknown rainforests, early encounters and habituation of orangutans, insights into male behavior and family life among apes, and the threats of deforestation alongside rewilding and restoration efforts.
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Orangutan Gaze Captures Observers
- Orangutans have an uncanny, unblinking gaze that Birute Galdikas said can captivate and 'capture your soul.'
- She contrasted their eye whites and concentrated stare as a behavior that repeatedly mesmerized researchers and visitors.
Nick The First Habituated Male
- Galdikas recounted habituating a wild male nicknamed Nick by following him day after day until he behaved naturally around researchers.
- She described Nick as the first wild orangutan to become totally habituated and reveal true behavior.
Male Orangutans Are True Loners
- From studying Nick and other males, Galdikas learned adult male orangutans are largely solitary and avoid each other except around receptive females.
- She also corrected early weight underestimates, noting some adult males weigh closer to 150 kilos (~300 pounds).