History Camp Leakey

Camp Leakey has stood majestically in the heart of Tanjung Puting National Park since 1971. This research station is a silent witness to the long journey of Bornean orangutan conservation. Dr. Biruté Mary Galdikas founded the research center with her former husband, Rod Brindamour. Camp Leakey is named after the researcher's mentor, the legendary paleoanthropologist Louis Leakey.

Longest Field Study of a Wild Mammal

Camp Leakey holds an extraordinary record in the world of science. Orangutan research at this site has spanned more than five decades, making it the longest field study of a wild mammal by a single principal investigator. Over 150,000 hours of direct observation have been meticulously documented.

Camp Leakey's Contributions to Science and Conservation

Research at Camp Leakey resulted in more than two dozen important scientific publications. Findings on orangutan tool use, diet, and social systems appeared in leading journals. The Journal of Human Evolution, Primates, and the American Journal of Primatology published her studies. This scientific work became a primary reference for primate researchers worldwide.

Dr. Galdikas received numerous prestigious awards for her dedication. In 1997, she shared the Tyler Prize for Environmental Achievement with Jane Goodall. The Indonesian government awarded her the Kalpataru Award that same year. Galdikas was the first woman and the only non-Indonesian to receive this highest honor.

Camp Leakey played a crucial role in Tanjung Puting's status being changed to a national park. Galdikas' campaign to local and national officials paid off in 1982. National park status provided stronger protection against illegal logging and mining, and the unique ecosystem of peat forests and swamps was better preserved.