World-famous paleoanthropologist, environmentalist, conservationist and political advisor Dr. Richard Leakey spoke to a crowded Tarleton State University audience in the Clyde H. Wells Fine Arts Center auditorium on Tuesday, April 8 as part of Tarleton’s Speaker Symposium Lecture Series.

Leakey covered many topics, such as some of his discoveries and adventures over the past nearly half-century, but also commented on the state of the environment and conservation efforts. He then spent twenty minutes answering questions from the audience.

This was Leakey’s first public speaking engagement in over a year due to health issues, which included having a liver transplant six months ago. Despite his age and an attempt on his life in 1993, he spoke with a youthful passion, sincerity, and warmth.

Leakey’s career made him a target. In 1993, the small propeller-driven plane he was flying crashed, and while it was never proven, it is highly suspected that it was an act of sabotage. The plane crash crushed both of Leakey’s legs, which had to be amputated. However, he has been able to walk again, thanks to artificial limbs.

While talking about his early days starting out as a paleoanthropologist, he encouraged the audience to not let opportunities in life pass them by. “You can always jump off [the train], but don’t not jump on,” said Leakey.

Leakey spoke about the state of knowledge and discovery regarding human evolution. He talked about his most famous and personally satisfying discovery, a 1.6 million year old Homo erectus called the “Turkana Boy” which was discovered in 1984; it is one of the most complete skeletons ever found.

During the question period, a popular topic was the current state of climate change. Leakey compared it to the hand brake of a train being left off by a conductor who stepped off to get a cup of coffee in the station. The train slowly starts to roll backwards, and as it continues, it picks up speed. The conductor who sees the train begin to roll can either rush to switch tracks so the train crashes into a side bumper, or he can let it just continue to gain speed and have a more disastrous crash. While some of the damage caused by global warming cannot be restored, “We can arrest some things” to halt further damage, Leakey explained.

In 1999, Leakey was appointed Kenyan head of Civil Service and Secretary of the Cabinet, a post he held until 2001. During that time, he worked closely on a number of national issues, including the fight to end institutionalized corruption in Kenya, which involved starting a new political party. He was also able to drastically reduce the amount of elephant poaching during his time, which unfortunately has regained momentum since his departure.

Leakey explained that one must never give up what they are searching for.

“Keep looking – don’t get discouraged,” said Leakey.