Only in Newcastle ...
About The Event
Tuesday 6th August, 6pm
Newcastle Town Hall
This is a fundraising event for the conservation and awareness of threatened species both in Borneo and in Australia.
The ABC's Dr Ann Jones will guide a discussion with Dr Galdikas, a compatriot of Jane Goodall (chimpanzees) and Dian Fossey (mountain gorillas), has studied and campaigned for orangutan conservation in a career spanning more than five decades.
Join us to hear her life's story, to learn about orangutans and consider what needs to be done both here and abroad.
About Dr Galdikas
About Ruth Linsky
Biruté Galdikas has devoted her life to studying orangutans. She began living with the orangutans in Borneo in1971. Now in her 70s, Dr. Galdikas has conducted the longest reigning study of a single species by any single scientist. She is a trailblazer in the realm of orangutan conservation. Her work, centered around the rehabilitation and release of orangutans, has not only contributed invaluable insights into their behaviour but has also played a pivotal role in shaping global conservation initiatives. Dr. Galdikas has been at the forefront of promoting sustainable practices and advocating for the preservation of orangutan habitats. Like primatologists Jane Goodall and Dian Fossey, Galdikas was driven by incredible ambition and a fascination with apes and human origins, making her way to the harsh rain forests of Indonesian Borneo when she was just 25 years old. She set up a simple camp, named after her mentor, Louis Leakey, and proceeded to look … and look …and look for wild orangutans, one of the most elusive species on the planet. Her studies brought these critically endangered apes to the world stage, and they are still making an impact today.
Meet Ruth Linsky, a dynamic Canadian whose passion for primatology has ignited a remarkable journey. Influenced by the wisdom of Dr. Galdikas, Ruth embarked on an awe-inspiring adventure at Camp Leakey, nestled amidst the enchanting vistas of Kalimantan's Tanjung Putting National Park. From her initial steps as a conservation volunteer to her current pursuit of academic excellence, as a PhD student under Dr Galdikas’ supervision, Ruth's commitment knows no bounds. Ruth has already unveiled groundbreaking research in her Masters thesis. Through innovative genetic testing, she unraveled the intricate web of orangutan interconnections, illuminating crucial dispersal patterns vital for their survival. By deciphering these patterns, she continues the research effort to avert a catastrophic collapse of orangutan populations—a challenge shared by species worldwide, including the beloved koalas.
About Ann Jones
Ann Jones is a broadcaster, nature lover, interviewer and has a PhD in history. Her PhD involved travelling around the world collecting oral history interviews and spending months in musty archives in Britain. As if that wasn't enough, she also studied Broadcasting at the West Australian Academy of Performing Arts. Ann's unique skills in listening have made her a brilliant interviewer and her love of nature has led to radio and television documentaries about science, wildlife and conservation.
Dr Galdikas will be joined by the ABC's Dr Ann Jones for a personal discussion about the natural history and ecology of orangutans, their conservation challenges and the future of their
work with these magnificent creatures.
Dr Biruté Galdikas
at
Newcastle Town Hall
Tues 6th August, 2024
TICKETS ON SALE NOW
ABOUT
Join us, Dr Galdikas and Dr Ann Jones for an inspiring evening of stories about magical rainforests and the ultimate gentle giants: the orangutans.
Learn about the natural history, the challenges and the science surrounding more than 50 years of research and conservation efforts ... and the hopes for the future.
Fundraising
LOCATION
Newcastle Town Hall
290 King Street
Newcastle 2300
