Leakey, Richard E. F. (1944–)

The paleontologist Richard Leakey was born and raised in Kenya, son of the famous paleontologist team, Louis and Mary Leakey. Influenced by his dynamic parents, the value of a traditional English education waned in the face of both adventures of new hominid discoveries and the diversity of life found in the African environment. After successful completion of his primary school education, Leakey attempted to further his education by attending the Duke of York. Contrary to previous success, his scholastic term at Duke of York was less than illustrious. Similar to his father's plight, the free, warm, and sympathetic association with the native populations of Africa led to social conflict for the young Leakey, eventually leading him to become a social outcast. However, the prospects of an African adventure allured Leakey from the halls of academia to the rugged African landscape that was a form of personal comfort. For Richard Leakey, who skipped classes and was fiercely independent, both his rebellious nature and the issue of dropping out of school were divisive [Page 1456]factors in the crippling of the relationship with his father. However, the decision that led to Richard's financial independence (due to his father's ultimatum and generosity) would eventually shape his future endeavors.

Source: © Leakey Foundation.

With monies secured by his parents, Leakey's wildlife venture earned him the respect and financial independence that he sought. This success continued and was furthered by the formation of his safari company shortly before Kenya's independence in 1963. During an excursion to Olduvia, he became aware of the geological formations at Tanganyika's Lake. The ensuing expedition yielded an exciting discovery, for evidence of a new fossil hominid was recovered. Although Richard was initially absent during its discovery, the recovery, interpretation, and announcement of this new species, Homo habilis, was left to the patriarch of the Leakey clan, his father Louis. The second expedition might not have had the same importance as the first expedition, but the fossils recovered were just as impressive.

Leakey married Margaret Cooper in 1966 (divorced in 1969) and later married Meave Epps in 1970. Between the two marriages, he had three children. Leakey acquired additional professional responsibilities during this period. He served as director of the National Museums of Kenya (1968–1989) and director of the Kenya Wildlife Service (1989). His days in the field came to an end in 1993 when his plane crashed. Concerned with political corruption and environmental issues,Leakey's efforts for environmental protection and political reform had led to the creation of the political party Safina. Subjected to hostile intentions from political and criminal enterprises, Leakey continues to further his ideals through education and writings. His publications include Origins in 1977, People of the Lake in 1978, The Making of Mankind in 1981, and The Origin of Humankind in 1994.