Contributions and Interesting Facts

Mary won several honorary degrees, the Golden Linnaean Medal, and a membership into the U. S. National Academy of Sciences for her work.

Mary found the first fossil skull of the extinct Miocene primate Proconsul. She also found the Zinjanthropus fossil which later brought the Leakey's worldwide fame. In addition, she discovered the Laetoli footprints which proved that humans walked upright as much as 3.6 million years ago.

When Louis Leakey died in 1972, they had been officially separated for several years. Mary became known for liking animals better than people. She wasn't always on the friendliest terms with her sons either.