Member of the Scientific Committee of the Animal Welfare Institute since 1967, Dr. Marjorie Anchel-Rackow passed away on April 29, a week shy of her 99th birthday. Well known for her work in chemistry, Dr. Anchel was senior chemist and laboratory administrator for the New York Botanical Garden.
She and her husband, Dr. Herbert Rackow, devoted themselves to improving the lives of animals used for experimentation. They founded and served on the Board of Directors of the Scientist Group for Reform of Animal Experimentation in New York and testified at federal hearings in support of amendments to the Animal Welfare Act and other legislation to protect animals used in laboratories.
Dr. Anchel wrote numerous articles for major papers, such as the New York Times, as well as letters to the editors of scientific journals on the subject of humane treatment of animals. She also served for over 10 years as president of the New York State Humane Association.
Dr. Anchel is survived by her husband, who is a retired physician, diplomate of the American Board of Anesthesiology, professor emeritus at Columbia University, and a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics. The couple kept an elaborate aviary in their home to rescue and care for wounded and wayward birds, including raptor species.