Richard Leakey

Date of Birth: December 19, 1944

Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius

Date of Death: January 2, 2022

Biography

Richard Erskine Frere Leakey was a renowned Kenyan paleoanthropologist, conservationist, and environmentalist born on December 19, 1944, in Nairobi, Kenya. He was the second of three sons of the famous archaeologists Louis and Mary Leakey. Richard Leakey’s upbringing was deeply embedded in the world of archaeology and natural history, which led him to carve out an illustrious career in paleoanthropology, discovering several significant hominid fossils that advanced our understanding of human evolution. In the 1960s and 1970s, Leakey’s expeditions to the Turkana Basin in Kenya resulted in the unearthing of some of the most important fossil finds, including the nearly complete skeleton of “Turkana Boy,” a Homo erectus youth. These discoveries solidified his reputation as a leading figure in paleoanthropology. Beyond his contributions to human evolutionary studies, Leakey became a passionate advocate for wildlife conservation. He led the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) in the late 1980s and early 1990s, implementing strict anti-poaching measures and spearheading significant reforms that helped save many of Kenya’s endangered species, including elephants and rhinos. Leakey was also a vocal critic of corruption and political mismanagement in Kenya. He briefly entered politics and held various governmental roles, including as the head of the Civil Service and Secretary to the Cabinet. His efforts in both science and conservation earned him numerous accolades and international recognition. Richard Leakey passed away on January 2, 2022, leaving behind a legacy of profound contributions to science and conservation.

5 Interesting Facts about Richard Leakey

1. Richard Leakey’s fossil discoveries, including the “Turkana Boy,” significantly advanced the study of human evolution.

2. As the head of the Kenya Wildlife Service, Leakey orchestrated the public burning of ivory stockpiles to combat elephant poaching.

3. He survived a plane crash in 1993 that resulted in the amputation of both his legs below the knee.

4. Leakey was appointed as the head of the Civil Service and Secretary to the Cabinet in Kenya in 1999.

5. He co-founded the NGO “WildlifeDirect,” which works to protect endangered species and habitats.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Richard Leakey

1. “Conservation is not merely a question of morality; it’s a question of our own survival.”

2. “Human beings, as a species, are in need of a transformation, not just a reformation.”

3. “We have to convince the world that the ivory trade is not only illegal but also immoral.”

4. “The future of humanity lies in our ability to understand our past.”

5. “Our planet is not just a backdrop for human activity; it is the very foundation of our existence.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Richard Leakey’s highest net worth was not publicly documented, but his invaluable contributions to paleoanthropology and conservation are considered priceless.

Children

Richard Leakey had three children with his first wife, Margaret Cropper. Their names are Anna, Samira, and Louise Leakey. Louise Leakey followed in her family’s footsteps, becoming a prominent paleoanthropologist herself.