Anthropologist. Born to British missionaries in Kenya, he is best known for his exploits in the field of anthropology and his legacy on field research. After completing his studies in Cambridge, his research focused on early human development at Olduvai gorge, a deep chasm near the Ngorongoro crater in northern Tanzania. There he discovered many examples of early man-made stone tools and the fossilized bones of numerous animals. He made several famous discoveries there, including an early primate fossil he named Zinjanthropus (Australopithecus boisei) and fossils of an early hominid, Homo habilis. Modern anthropologists consider these discoveries as important links in the evolutionary theory of human development. In 1968 he established the Leakey foundation, dedicated to providing an understanding of human origins to the public and now serving as the top funder in anthropological research. Many modern researchers claim that his talent in the fostering of protegees Jane Goodall, Dian Fossey and Birutë Galdikas, all three now legendary primatologists, helped shape the methods of modern field research in animal behavior. While on a lecture tour, he suffered a heart attack and passed away at St. Stephen's Hospital in London. His remains were transported back to Kenya, where he was interred next to his parents in Limuru.
Anthropologist. Born to British missionaries in Kenya, he is best known for his exploits in the field of anthropology and his legacy on field research. After completing his studies in Cambridge, his research focused on early human development at Olduvai gorge, a deep chasm near the Ngorongoro crater in northern Tanzania. There he discovered many examples of early man-made stone tools and the fossilized bones of numerous animals. He made several famous discoveries there, including an early primate fossil he named Zinjanthropus (Australopithecus boisei) and fossils of an early hominid, Homo habilis. Modern anthropologists consider these discoveries as important links in the evolutionary theory of human development. In 1968 he established the Leakey foundation, dedicated to providing an understanding of human origins to the public and now serving as the top funder in anthropological research. Many modern researchers claim that his talent in the fostering of protegees Jane Goodall, Dian Fossey and Birutë Galdikas, all three now legendary primatologists, helped shape the methods of modern field research in animal behavior. While on a lecture tour, he suffered a heart attack and passed away at St. Stephen's Hospital in London. His remains were transported back to Kenya, where he was interred next to his parents in Limuru.
Bio by: Justin Overby
Inscription
Louis S B Leakey / Wakaruigi / Ilyua / 1903 - 1972 / you live on / in the minds you inspired / in the projects you pioneered / in the lives you improved / and created / in the hearts that love you / your infuence cannot die
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