Anne Innis Dagg
(1933-2024)
Dr. Anne Innis Dagg was a pioneering zoologist, groundbreaking biologist, animal rights activist, feminist, teacher and mother of three. Anne received worldwide recognition as the first western scientist to study giraffes in the wild in 1956. Her book Giraffe: Biology, Behaviour and Conservation (1976) is known as the bible of giraffes and is still used by scientists to this day. Anne is the author of over 60 scientific papers and 26 books including, Pursuing Giraffe: A 1950’s Adventure and The Fifty Per Cent Solution: Why Should Women Pay for Men's Culture?. In 2019 she was appointed to the Order of Canada and received honorary doctorates from the University of Waterloo, University of Toronto, Mount Saint Vincent University and McMaster University. In 2020, Anne fulfilled her lifelong wish and established the Anne Innis Dagg Foundation to protect giraffes and their habitat.
Tributes to Anne
Giraffe researcher Anne Innis Dagg received belated recognition for her seminal work
THE GLOBE & MAIL, April 29, 2024
Anne Innis Dagg devoted her life to the world’s tallest creature
THE ECONOMIST, May 8, 2024
Pioneering giraffe expert Anne Innis Dagg always fought for what was right:daughter
THE CANADIAN PRESS, April 24 , 2024
Anne Innis Dagg, ‘the woman who loves giraffes’
CBC, April 3 , 2024
Anne Innis Dagg, Who Studied Giraffes in the Wild, Dies at 91
NEW YORK TIMES, April 17, 2024
Pioneering zoologist stood tall in the field of giraffe research
WASHINGTON POST, April 11, 2024
Anne Innis Dagg, Giraffe Researcher Who Was Held Back by Sexism, Dies at 91
WALL STREET JOURNAL, April 26, 2024
BBC RADIO, THE LAST WORD, May 10, 2024
“She leaves a legacy for all of us in the Anne Innis Dagg Foundation.”
- Nathaniel Erskine-Smith,
MP for Beaches, East York.
Nathaniel Erskine-Smith honoured Anne in the House of Commons of Canada.
"Anne was a great inspiration to me and my colleagues in the study of giraffes, and even more so as a champion for the rights of
animals and disenfranchised people. Anne was a superstar, working tirelessly in the face of constant adversity, and left the world a
better place.”
- Monica Bond, Principal Scientist,
Wild Nature Institute
Wild Nature Institute and local students honour Anne by planting trees in in Mto Wa Mbu, Tanzania.
“Throughout her life, Anne was a powerful force in the work of wildlife conservation as a Canadian zoologist.”
The Toronto Zoo’s flags were flown at half-mast in memory of Anne.
“Dr. Anne Innis Dagg was a true pioneer in giraffe conservation. Her groundbreaking research not only increased our understanding of giraffes but also raised global awareness about their conservation needs. Dr. Anne's dedication to giraffe conservation paved the way for future researchers and conservationists, inspiring a new generation to protect these magnificent creatures.”
- Dr. Phillip Muruthi, Chief Scientist,
African Wildlife Foundation
“Anne established the pathway for future field biologists. She journeyed into unknown territory to study one of nature's most interesting and charming creatures. She blazed a path not only in giraffe biology, but in spearheading efforts to attract more girls and women into science. Throughout her life, she was a self-effacing, wonderful woman with a compassion for nature and a strong commitment to make the world a better place for future generations. Had she a solid academic backing and position, she would be much better known. She'd be recognized among non-giraffe people as a critical scientist and pioneer.”
- Dr. Fred Bercovitch, Comparative Wildlife Biologist
and Anne Innis Dagg Foundation board member
“A pioneer in wildlife biology…and a staunch supporter of women in science.”
UNIVERSITY OF GUELPH,
COLLEGE OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE
The University of Guelph’s Wildlife Club painted the cannon in honour of Anne.
“Laurier mourns the passing of pioneering scientist Anne Innis Dagg”
WILFRID LAURIER UNIVERSITY
“Innis Dagg…leaves behind a deep and decorated legacy at the University of Toronto.”
UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO
“Anne Innis Dagg, a groundbreaking Canadian zoologist, feminist, and environmentalist…”
UNIVERSITY OF WATERLOO
INNIS COLLEGE
“She was awarded an Honourary Degree from MSVU recognizing her extraordinary contributions to giraffe conservation.”
MOUNT SAINT VINCENT UNIVERSITY
“Although I've only known Anne personally for about 15 years, I have treasured the privilege. I would tell my colleagues at the University of Waterloo that Anne was the best published scholar among us--and the most modest. Her scholarship is simply amazing in its scope. I love in particular her books The Social Behavior of Older Animals and Animal Friendships. She will always be a model to me for her unwavering commitment as an ardent writer, feminist professor, animal rights activist, and vegan. I will miss her, as will my whippets, who were also her friends.”
- Dr. Alice Kuzniar, Distinguished Professor Emerita
“…she was a trailblazer in wildlife research and animal advocacy, and a vocal advocate for women's rights.”
Artist Lara Huntsman gifted her beautiful painting of Dr. Anne Innis Dagg, titled Forever Smitten by Giraffe, to Mary Dagg. It is only fitting that it will now be hung in the indoor giraffe enclosure at the Toronto Zoo. With this painting, Anne will forever be watching over the giraffes, including her namesake Amani Innis Dagg.