From American Wild Horse Preservation Campaign:
“It is with deep sadness that we inform you of the passing of Dr. Jay Kirkpatrick, a true pioneer in the field of humane wildlife management. Dr. Kirkpatrick, the founder of the Science and Conservation Center, passed away earlier this week from a brief but serious illness. He will be greatly missed.
“His passing is a terrible loss for the wild horse community. Our deepest condolences go to his wife and his colleagues at the Science and Conservation Center who are like family to AWHPC, as Dr. Kirkpatrick was.
“Jay was a rare ‘scientist with a heart’ and he dedicated his life to reducing the suffering of wild animals by developing a humane alternative to lethal management practices. The PZP fertility control vaccine that he developed and perfected (as affirmed by 30 years of published science) has kept countless wild animals – from wild horses to deer to bison and even elephants – wild and free by protecting them from capture and killing.
“‘I’m not a bunny hugger, but I’ll never attend another gather as long as I live. They’re flat-out inhumane,’ he told National Geographic in 2009 describing BLM wild horse roundups. ‘There are three reasons why these gathers are an unsatisfactory solution to the problem of numbers. Firstly, it’s genetically irresponsible to be constantly pulling off young horses whose genes will never get expressed; secondly, every time you pull horses out, the reproductive efficiency of the horses that remain increases. And thirdly, the behavioral consequences for the horses are profound.’
“Jay was a visionary, a humanitarian and a shining example of what one person can accomplish in his lifetime. We are so proud to have called him a friend and a colleague. Measures have been taken by the Science and Conservation Center to prepare for this transition and the seamless continuation of the work that he was dedicated to for 45 years.”
Godspeed, Dr. Jay. You trained many angels, and we honor you and your legacy to preserve mustangs and wild burros with every dart we fire.
Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Spring Creek Basin Mustangs 
I am still in shock.
From every remarkable thing I heard about that man, I am terribly sorry to hear this sad, sad news.
Now, I will always think of him, thank him, every time I see a wild horse running free.
Even though I didn’t get to meet him, I came close.
His legend lives forever in the mustang world.
Thank you for posting, TJ.
So devastating. I attended one of his presentations several years ago. Fascinating man.
Thanks TJ, it is reminder to all who read what a difference one person can make by engaging others. Collectively his passion will continue.
Tragic, devastating, scary to lose the leadership embodied in this great man. We must work together to carry his legacy forward. His passion, love, and brilliance can still guide our efforts and commitment. It must. And TJ, I know this is a huge loss for you personally. Hugs, Kat
May tis truly great man rest in peace.
TJ, I am so sorry to read of about another devastating loss for you and the community dedicated to wild mustangs. Jay seems to have been quite the rare individual, the “humane scientist”, not just interested in the “data”, but a man who understood what was beyond the numbers, beautiful living things that deserve our regard. Wish I could have known him. May he always be remembered.
Thank you all for your meaningful words about Dr. Jay. Still so hard to believe.
I had a class from Jay several years ago, and had a long conversation with him every couple months. I only saw tonight that he had died, and I am shocked. the last time I spoke with him, perhaps a month or so ago, he was fine and seemed like he would go on with his work for horses and other animals for a long time to come. A sad day for all people and animals.
My condolences to his family.
Jay’s work definitely WILL go on – in all of us who took his classes and corresponded with him and looked to him for guidance and inspiration and the indomitable will to go on! His loss is a devastating shock to us all.
Heartfelt condolences from me, too.
Jay trained my investigators and myself. His work will live on through all he instructed. He was a friend to all at the Animal Recovery Mission and will be missed!
Thank you so much for your comment. Jay Kirkpatrick touched human lives and animal all around the world, and it amazing and humbling to have known such a tremendous human being. Thank YOU for all you do for animals!