Passing of Dr. Milton Thiago de Mello, founding and honorary member of the Brazilian Primatological Society

The International Primatological Society expresses its deep sorrow over the passing of Dr. Milton Thiago de Mello, founding and honorary member of the Brazilian Primatological Society. At 108 years of age, Dr. Milton Thiago de Mello left an indelible legacy of dedication to primatological research and education, not only in Brazil but internationally. He passed away last Tuesday in Brasília, where he continued his academic endeavors until the end of his life.

Born on February 5, 1916, in Rio de Janeiro, Dr. Mello graduated in 1937 from the Veterinary School of the Brazilian Army and became a pioneer in the study of zoonoses. During his career with the Brazilian Army, he taught and worked at the Military Institute of Biology, contributing to the production of tetanus antitoxin for World War II soldiers. Even after retiring from military service, he remained actively involved in research and consultancy, both in Brazil and abroad.

Dr. Milton Thiago de Mello served as president of the Brazilian Primatological Society from 1983 to 1984 and as vice-president from 1981 to 1982. From 1983 to 1989, he organized six editions of the Specialization Course in Primatology, which were pivotal in advancing primatology in Brazil. These courses, supported by CAPES and the University of Brasília, significantly contributed to the growth of the field. Dr. Mello’s dedication to primatology also led to the discovery of a species of Amazonian monkey in 2011 that was named after him, Callicebus miltoni, in recognition of his pioneering work.

Throughout his distinguished career, Dr. Mello held the presidency of the Brazilian Academy of Veterinary Medicine (Abramvet) and collaborated with international organizations such as the United Nations, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation. His contributions to science were widely recognized, including receiving the prestigious John Gamgee Award and being named an Honorary Fellow of the Zoological Society of London. In 2018, he was honored with the Presidential Award for Contributions to the Development, Promotion, and Advancement of Latin American Primatology from the International Primatological Society.

Dr. Mello was not only a dedicated researcher but also an inspiring educator. He taught at numerous universities, both in Brazil and abroad, spending 20 years at the University of Brasília, where he founded the Center for Primatology. Over the course of his career, he published more than 150 scientific articles and edited numerous books, making him a reference in veterinary medicine and conservation. His sharp intellect remained vibrant even as he aged, as he continued to explore new areas of interest in primatology and microbiology well into his later years. In his own words, “My mind has accumulated knowledge for 103 years and seems to have no limit—every day it expands.”

A person of immense wisdom and warmth, Dr. Mello was always ready to engage his interlocutors with a smile and his sharp wit. He once remarked, “Let me put on my glasses to look like a scientist—people need to be fooled.” With a remarkable sense of humor and a mind as expansive as his lifelong contributions to science, Dr. Mello leaves behind a profound impact on the field of primatology and a legacy that will inspire generations to come.

The International Primatological Society extends its deepest condolences to Dr. Mello’s family, friends, and the entire scientific community. His extraordinary life and contributions will never be forgotten.