Jane Goodall

Jane Goodall (born Valerie Jane Morris-Goodall on 3 April 1934) is a British primatologist, ethologist, and anthropologist. She is best known for her long-term study of wild chimpanzees in Gombe Stream National Park, Tanzania.

Early Life and Education[edit | edit source]

Goodall was born in London, England. Her love for animals began at a young age, and she dreamt of living among the wildlife in Africa. In 1957, she traveled to Kenya and met Louis Leakey, a renowned paleoanthropologist, who hired her as a secretary. Leakey believed that a long-term study of the great apes could provide insights into the behavior of early hominids. He sent Goodall to Cambridge University, where she obtained a PhD in Ethology in 1965.

Research[edit | edit source]

In 1960, Goodall began her landmark study of the Kasakela chimpanzee community in Gombe Stream National Park. She observed behaviors such as tool use, and meat-eating, which were thought to be exclusive to humans. Her findings challenged the established scientific consensus at the time and revolutionized our understanding of our closest relatives.

Later Life and Activism[edit | edit source]

Goodall is a dedicated conservationist and animal rights activist. In 1977, she established the Jane Goodall Institute to support ongoing research at Gombe and other wildlife conservation efforts. She is a UN Messenger of Peace and has received numerous awards for her environmental and humanitarian work.

Legacy[edit | edit source]

Goodall's work has fundamentally changed the way we understand primates and our relationship with the animal kingdom. Her dedication to conservation continues to inspire people around the world.