Is Richard Leakey A-List?
No — Richard Leakey is currently ranked B tier — a well-known figure with a strong career but not quite a household name.
Reached A-list in 1984
Turkana Boy Fossil Find
Lost A-list status in 1989
Dropped to B tier — Heads Kenya Wildlife Service
Ranking Timeline
Omo fossil discoveries
Significant fossil discoveries at Omo, Ethiopia, establish his reputation.
Skull 1470 Discovery
Discovery of Skull 1470 increases Leakey's scientific fame.
Turkana Boy Fossil Find
Discovery of the Turkana Boy fossil makes him a global figure.
Heads Kenya Wildlife Service
Leakey appointed to lead KWS, begins anti-poaching efforts.
Plane Crash Loss of Legs
Leakey survives a plane crash losing both legs.
Heads Kenya Civil Service
Appointed Head of Kenya Civil Service.
Death in Kenya
Leakey dies in Kenya in January 2022, leaving a legacy of conservation and paleoanthropology.
Legacy as Conservationist
Leakey's impact on paleoanthropology and conservation continues to be recognized.
Last updated: February 25, 2026