Spotlight: Jane Goodall

Jane Goodall with a domesticated chimpanzee

Known for her research on chimpanzees, primatologist Jane Goodall is a household name. Goodall was interested in animals early on. She left school to assist paleontologist Louis Leaky at the Gombe Stream Game Reserve in Africa. There, she studied the behavior of chimpanzees. While learning at the reserve, she discovered three things: chimpanzees are omnivores; chimps use tools; and they make their own tools like humans. 

After her research, she decided to become a conservationist after a panel at a primatology conference talked about deforestation. Goodall started to observe herself that the chimpanzees species was being threatened by habitat destruction and illegal trafficking caused by humans. 

Jane Goodall’s legacy will extend far beyond her lifespan. She created the Jane Goodall Institute, which conserves forest land, promotes understanding of great apes, and protects their habitats. Using science, they are able to restore previous chimpanzee habitat. The JGI has facilitated the conservation of 3.4 million acres of habitat under their Conservation Action Plans. The JGI has also housed 290 chimpanzees and gorillas in sanctuaries supported by the Jane Goodall Institution. The Jane Goodall Institution doesn’t just support primates; it also supports girls. The JGI provides young girls with peer educators and scholarships to support their education.

Jane Goodall interacting with a chimpanzee.

Today, Goodall continues to raise awareness by giving speeches about supporting wildlife conservation. 

“The future of the planet and humanity is in our hands,” Jane Goodall.