A Tribute to Professor David Chivers

It is with a heavy heart we inform the passing of Professor David Chivers, Trustee of Orangutan Land Trust. David passed away peacefully on 5th March 2025 at the age of 81.

David first came to Cambridge University in 1963 and completed his PhD in Physical Anthropology, focusing on primates in the Malaysian rain forests. His research included pioneering fieldwork on siamangs in Peninsular Malaysia as well as extensive research on gibbons and orangutans, and their rainforest habitat. His passion for these species cemented his life-long commitment to their conservation.

During his time at Selwyn College, David was a deeply committed Tutor for dozens of postgraduate students, many of whom went on to have careers in wildlife conservation research and veterinary science. Many of these students also created impactful wildlife charities, such as Borneo Nature Foundation (whose activities in Borneo we proudly support.) And many of these students also serve on our Scientific Advisory Board. With David’s leadership and the advice of these advisors, Orangutan Land Trust has been able to develop strategies to deliver real and lasting impact for orangutan conservation.

David was more than a Trustee; he was a dear friend who could be counted for support in troubled times. He had strong opinions and a wicked sense of humour, but he was always kind. His legacy will live on not only in the many lives he touched, but also in the wild where many more primates survive in it because of him.

Dr David Chivers (1944–2026), a distinguished primatologist, conservationist, teacher and mentor whose work had a lasting influence on the study and conservation of primates worldwide.