Chico Mendes
#57,061 Most Popular
About
Brazilian activist and environmentalist remembered for his work to protect the Amazon rainforest and its indigenous people. He was assassinated by a rancher in Xapuri in December 1988.
Before Fame
He began working as a rubber tapper at age nine and did not learn to read until age eighteen.
Trivia
The Chico Mendes Institute for Conservation of Biodiversity was founded in his memory.
Family Life
He was one of eighteen children, though only six survived past childhood.
Associated With
He was portrayed by actor Raul Julia in the 1994 film The Burning Season.
