Anne’s Legacy, Our Mission
Photo by Anne Innis Dagg (South Africa 1956).
Anne Innis Dagg was a trailblazing Canadian biologist whose courage and curiosity changed how we see the natural world—and our place within it.
In 1956, she travelled alone to South Africa, defying convention and discrimination to become the first scientist to study the behavior of giraffes in the wild. At a time when women were routinely excluded from scientific careers, Anne pushed ahead driven by an insatiable desire for knowledge and an unshakable belief in fairness.
When discrimination later derailed her academic career, Anne transformed injustice into action.
Note: we don’t have a good photo of her accepting the award as it was given during Covid.
She became a powerful voice for equity in science, challenging systemic sexism with the same rigor she brought to field research. Until her passing in April 2024, Anne continued to write, speak, and inspire—reminding people around the world that progress demands both courage and persistence.
Anne Innis Dagg was appointed to the Order of Canada, one of the nation’s highest honors.
…in recognition of her groundbreaking scientific work and her lifelong advocacy for equity in academia. The award affirms her lasting impact on Canadian science, conservation, and public life.
The Anne Innis Dagg Foundation carries this legacy forward.
Note: I can clean up this photo so it’s not as yellow around her.
Note: images and buttons will link to each pillar’s page
EDUCATION
Inspiring and empowering the next generation of scientists, conservationists, and changemakers through youth-focused learning and mentorship.
…championing science rooted in compassion, evidence-based conservation studies, and a future where curiosity is never constrained by bias.
Our Mission
The Anne Innis Dagg Foundation advances Anne’s legacy through three interconnected pillars:
WILDLIFE CONSERVATION
Protecting giraffes and the ecosystems they depend on by supporting conservation partners, safeguarding habitats, and promoting biodiversity.
FIELD RESEARCH & INNOVATION
Advancing giraffe science through field research and innovation, generating the knowledge needed for maximizing our conservation impact in order to ensure that future generations will have the opportunity to follow in Anne's footsteps.