Chico Mendes

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.