Devra Gail Kleiman

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Devra_G._Kleiman

Devra Gail Kleiman (November 15, 1942 – April 29, 2010) was an American biologist who helped create the field of conservation biology.[1] She is known for her work with Adelmar Coimbra Filho to conserve endangered species, especially the golden lion tamarin of Brazil.[2] Her efforts to use zoos to manage genetics of rare species was "one of the greatest success stories in the history of modern zoos," according to Steven Monfort, director of the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute.[1] She is also known for her efforts to breed pandas at the National Zoo.

Life and career[edit] Kleiman was born in The Bronx. She earned a bachelors degree from University of Chicago in 1964. She received a Ph.D. in zoology from University of London in 1969. She joined the staff of the National Zoo in 1972. In 1979, she was named head of the Department of Zoological Research and was appointed to the biology staff at University of Maryland. She was appointed assistant research director in 1986. Her publications include Wild Mammals in Captivity and Lion Tamarins: Biology and Conservation.[3]

She died of cancer at George Washington University Hospital in Washington, D. C.