Devra Kleiman - Brazil field notes, May and June 1984

In May 1984, the big day finally arrived. After enduring a flight delay, missing luggage, a nasty cold, and disagreements with co-workers, conservation biologist Devra G. Kleiman was finally ready to reintroduce golden lion tamarins to the wild. On “release day” she remained professional and level-headed. It was not until she rested later that day that the gravity of her work set in. Kleiman wrote that she began to feel excited when “I suddenly realize that a group of captive-born animals now could choose their own options.” Join a group of #volunpeers in transcribing Kleiman’s very candid thoughts leading up to, during, and after the big event. For more information, check out the Devra G. Kleiman Papers, 1967-2010 finding aid.