Dr. Ajith Kumar’s passing is a profound loss to the wildlife conservation and academic community—and to many of us, a deeply personal one. Until his final moments, he was doing what he loved most: being with his students on field observing nature. A remarkable mentor, teacher, and conservationist, Ajith was known for his vast knowledge, sharp wit, and boundless enthusiasm. With him, there was never a dull moment!

For over 20 years, he played a crucial role in guiding FERAL, first as a friend and fellow primatologist of our founding trustee, Dr. Rauf Ali, he advised us on many of our research and conservation projects. Later, he formally joined us as a member of our Academic Advisory Board. His insights at our last meeting in December 2024 reflected his unwavering commitment to both conservation and education.

Ajith’s impact goes beyond the institutions he was part of—he shaped countless students and colleagues, leaving behind a legacy of passion and dedication. Ajith was a simple, humble, affectionate human being, and was equally famous for his spirited evenings of banter and fun often followed by a busy day at the office or on field. Though he is no longer with us, his influence remains strong. We will carry forward our work, inspired by his words and driven by his example.

His famous line with his students “All that is fine, but what about the paper?” is still widely used by us and will continue to be used for years to come.