Devra G. Kleiman

1942 - 2010

Devra G. Kleiman: The Architect of Modern Conservation Biology

Devra G. Kleiman (1942–2010) was a transformative figure in zoology and conservation biology. At a time when zoos were largely viewed as static "living museums," Kleiman reimagined them as rigorous scientific institutions and engines for species recovery. Her work with the Golden Lion Tamarin remains the gold standard for reintroducing captive-born animals into the wild, and her research into mammalian social systems fundamentally altered our understanding of monogamy and cooperative breeding.

1. Biography: From the Bronx to the Smithsonian

Devra Gail Kleiman was born on November 15, 1942, in the Bronx, New York. Her intellectual journey began at the University of Chicago, where she earned a B.A. in biopsychology in 1964. Seeking to deepen her understanding of animal behavior, she moved to the United Kingdom to study at the University of London. There, she earned her Ph.D. in Zoology in 1969 under the supervision of the famed ethologist Desmond Morris. Her doctoral research focused on the social and reproductive behavior of the Canidae (dogs, wolves, and foxes).

In 1972, Kleiman joined the Smithsonian National Zoological Park (NZP) in Washington, D.C. She was a pioneer in every sense, becoming the first woman scientist hired at the zoo. Over a career spanning nearly 30 years at the Smithsonian, she rose to become the Assistant Director for Research (1982–1996). After retiring from the Smithsonian, she served as a research professor at the University of Maryland, continuing to mentor the next generation of conservationists until her death from cancer in 2010.

2. Major Contributions: Science-Based Conservation

Kleiman’s work bridged the gap between captive management and field biology. Her contributions can be grouped into three primary areas:

The Golden Lion Tamarin Conservation Program (GLTCP): This is Kleiman’s most enduring legacy. In the 1970s, the Golden Lion Tamarin (GLT), a small primate native to Brazil’s Atlantic Forest, was on the verge of extinction with fewer than 200 individuals remaining. Kleiman organized a global captive breeding program and, crucially, negotiated with the Brazilian government and private landowners to protect habitat. She pioneered "soft release" techniques, teaching captive-born monkeys how to forage and navigate the forest before releasing them.
The Professionalization of Zoo Biology: Kleiman argued that zoos must be "scientific institutions" rather than mere entertainment venues. She developed standardized protocols for recording animal behavior and health, which led to the creation of the Species Survival Plan (SSP) within the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).
Giant Panda Reproduction: When China gifted the pandas Ling-Ling and Hsing-Hsing to the U.S. in 1972, little was known about their reproductive biology. Kleiman led the research team that decoded the pandas' complex hormonal cycles and behavioral cues, laying the groundwork for the successful panda breeding programs seen globally today.
Sociobiology and Monogamy: In a landmark 1977 paper, Kleiman analyzed the evolution of monogamy in mammals. She identified that monogamy was not a single trait but a complex strategy often linked to the need for paternal care or the defense of specific resources.

3. Notable Publications

Kleiman authored or edited over 150 scientific papers and several seminal books that remain required reading for wildlife managers:

"Monogamy in Mammals" (1977): Published in The Quarterly Review of Biology, this paper is one of the most cited works in ethology, providing the theoretical framework for why certain species evolve pair-bonding.
"Wild Mammals in Captivity: Principles and Techniques" (1996): Co-edited with Mary Allen, Katerina Thompson, and Susan Lumpkin, this 600-page volume is often referred to as the "Bible of Zoo Biology." It revolutionized how captive animals are housed and studied.
"The Lion Tamarins of Brazil: 30 Years of Conservation" (2002): A comprehensive account of the GLTCP, detailing the biological, political, and social challenges of species recovery.

4. Awards & Recognition

Kleiman’s work earned her international acclaim, particularly in South America:

The Order of the Southern Cross (1986): Brazil’s highest honor for non-citizens, awarded for her tireless efforts to save the country’s biodiversity.
The Society for Conservation Biology Distinguished Service Award (1991): Recognizing her role in bridging the gap between theory and practice.
AZA Marlin Perkins Award (2007): The highest honor in the North American zoo profession, recognizing her lifetime of excellence in conservation and education.
Sustained Achievement Award (2006): From the American Society of Mammalogists.

5. Impact & Legacy

The impact of Devra Kleiman is visible today in the forests of Brazil and the management of every modern zoo.

Species Recovery: Because of her work, the Golden Lion Tamarin was downlisted from "Critically Endangered" to "Endangered" (and later "Vulnerable"). Today, there are over 3,200 tamarins in the wild—roughly one-third of which are descendants of the captive-born monkeys Kleiman helped reintroduce.
Institutional Shift: She transformed the Smithsonian’s National Zoo into a world-class research hub, founding the Department of Zoological Research.
Women in Science: As a female leader in a male-dominated field, she was a fierce advocate for women scientists, mentoring dozens of women who now lead conservation organizations worldwide.

6. Collaborations

Kleiman was a master of "collaborative conservation," realizing that biology alone cannot save a species.

Adelmar Coimbra-Filho: A Brazilian biologist who first alerted the world to the GLT's plight. Kleiman worked closely with him to ensure the project was a partnership with Brazil, not an American imposition.
James M. Dietz: A long-time collaborator who led the field research in Brazil, monitoring the released populations.
Benjamin Beck: A colleague at the National Zoo who worked with her on the complex behavioral training required for animal reintroduction.

7. Lesser-Known Facts

The Fossa Pioneer: Before becoming the "Tamarin Lady," Kleiman conducted some of the first detailed behavioral studies on the fossa, Madagascar’s largest carnivore, while working at the London Zoo.
Panda Diplomacy: During the 1970s, Kleiman had to navigate intense political pressure. The giant pandas were a gift from Mao Zedong to Richard Nixon, and the pressure to produce a cub was a matter of international diplomacy. Kleiman famously maintained scientific rigor despite the media circus.
A "Tough" Mentor: Kleiman was known for her formidable personality. Colleagues often described her as
"intimidatingly brilliant" and "unapologetically direct,"
traits she used to push through bureaucratic red tape to protect endangered habitats.
Posthumous Recognition: In 2010, the Brazilian government created the Devra Kleiman Prize to honor excellence in conservation, ensuring her name remains synonymous with the protection of the Atlantic Forest.