Remembering Wallis Annenberg with fondness, gratitude, and appreciation
Dear Wallis Annenberg (1939-2025) was an understanding and generous friend to animals. OFI was her first animal charity in 2007. She provided significant support for orangutan Rusti and his remarkable open-air enclosure with trees in Hawaii. Her generosity provided a new open-air enclosure with trees in Borneo which OFI endearingly called Wally’s World. This innovative rescue approach to rehabilitate orangutans back to the wild in Borneo was new and one-of-a-kind which served as a prototype for other such unique, larage free roaming enclosures. Wallis understood the need for funding the general operations of OFI especially because this nonprofit used the most frugal means possible so that the animals were always the first priority. Above all, Wallis had true lasting love and appreciation for animals. She understood their importance in the web of life and appreciated their character and behavior.
Wallis met Dr. Biruté Mary Galdikas at a private dinner at Norman Lear’s home. Biruté and Wallis instantly bonded. Every time they met, the friendship and communication was instantly reignited. Wallis was a brilliant and beautiful woman who understood complex communities and how we are all interrelated. We admired her beyond words. Wallis always encouraged Biruté to keep going and persevere as she had done since the early 1970s so that these marvelous red apes would continue to be studied and preserved. Dr. Biruté has the longest ongoing longitudinal study of any animal in the wild. She understood the plight of endangered species in the wild and was determined to address their needs so that future generations could enjoy their presence. Wallis had enormous heart and wit. We will miss her immensely and will be forever grateful for her great generosity to the Orangutan Foundation International to save orangutans and wildlife. Both Biruté and Wallis are amazing women heroes and role models. It’s no wonder they were great friends and inspired each other.
