Dr. Jane Goodall is the founder of the Jane Goodall Institute and a UN Ambassador for Peace. She is best known for her seminal work studying the lives of wild chimpanzees in Gombe Stream National Park, Tanzania.
Goodall was always fascinated by animals and animal behavior. In 1957, at the age of 23, she was invited to visit a schoolmate’s family farm in Kenya. While there, she met Dr. Louis Leakey who, as luck would have it, was searching for someone to study chimpanzees. Goodall won his trust and began her chimpanzee studies in Tanzania. According to her official biography:
Equipped with little more than binoculars, a notebook and her fascination with wildlife, Jane Goodall ventured into what is now called the Gombe Stream Chimpanzee Reserve – embarking on a journey that would redefine the relationship between humans and other animals and ultimately help shape the burgeoning strategies of world conservation into the 21st century.
She took an unorthodox approach, immersing herself in the chimpanzees’ habitat. After months of trying to gain their trust, she was able to experience their complex society as a neighbor, rather than a distant observer. She then further defied scientific convention by giving them names instead of numbers. She came to understand them not only as a species, but as individuals with personalities, complex minds, emotions, and long-term bonds.
In October 1960, she saw the chimpanzee she named David Greybeard use grass stems to fashion tools for fishing termites from their nest. Up until that revelatory moment, mainstream scientists thought humans were the only species to make and use tools. We were defined as “Man the Toolmaker.” Her insights rocked the scientific world, prompting Dr. Leakey to proclaim, “Now we must redefine man, redefine tool, or accept chimpanzees as humans!” Her published findings on the tool-making practices of chimpanzees remain one of the most highly regarded observations in the world of animal behavior research.
Over the course of her chimpanzee studies, she made many other observations which transformed our thinking about the species. In 1961 she entered Cambridge as a PhD candidate and earned her PhD in ethology in 1966.
Again, from her official biography:
Dr. Goodall’s field research in Gombe revolutionized the field of primatology. In one of the longest-running field studies of any species, she and her students further documented that chimpanzees have distinct personalities, minds and emotions, and form lasting and complex relationships. Over the years, her work continued to yield surprising insights. In 1965, she established the Gombe Stream Research Center, which became a training ground for students interested in studying primates, ecology, and more. Today, it hosts a skilled team of researchers from around the world and dedicated field assistants comprised entirely from local Tanzanians.
The research center at Gombe also attracted many women, who were nearly absent from the field when she began. “Jane Goodall’s trailblazing path for other women primatologists is arguably her greatest legacy,” said Gilbert Grosvenor, chairman of The National Geographic Society. “During the last third of the twentieth century, Dian Fossey, Birute Galdikas, Cheryl Knott, Penny Patterson and many more women have followed her. Indeed, women now dominate long-term primate behavioral studies worldwide.”
In 1977, Dr. Goodall established the Jane Goodall Institute (JGI), which advances her vision and work around the world and for generations to come. JGI continues and expands upon essential science at Gombe Stream Research Center, now the home of the longest running wild chimpanzee study in the world. It has also become a global leader in the effort to protect chimpanzees and their habitats through community-led conservation. The Institute advances innovative applications of science and technology, best practices in animal welfare, as well as youth empowerment through its Roots & Shoots program, created in 1991. Jane Goodall’s Roots & Shoots provides the resources to encourage and motivate young people to act on issues that matter to them. Today, the tools and support offered through the JGI program empower youth in all 50 United States and over 70 countries to use their voices and ideas to address the issues that matter most to them in their communities.
Goodall has also authored numerous books about her work, received honors and awards from various nations around the world, and been the subject of many documentaries and film and television features.
On September 21, 2024, Los Angeles celebrated the United Nations International Day of Peace and Dr. Jane Goodall’s 90th Birthday, with Dr. Jane Goodall in attendance. Selected Animal Culture staff attended the event at the invitation of consummate environmental educator John Zavalney. The event was sponsored by Roots & Shoots, which is a division of the Jane Goodall Institute, and Rotary District 5280. The event occurred at Point Fermin Park in San Pedro, CA. The event included informational booths from many organizations, including multiple Roots & Shoots groups, Rotary Clubs, and local sustainable businesses; companion animal adoptions; vegan food trucks; live music; a puppet dove parade; remarks from local politicians; and a speech by Dr. Goodall. Her message was one of hope, that despite the challenging times we live in, there are still numerous activities we as individuals can engage in to make our planet a better place. Goodall’s four pillars of hope for the future are: the amazing human intellect, the resilience of nature, the power and dedication of young people, and the indomitable human spirit.
Roots & Shoots is just one arm of the Jane Goodall Institute. According to its website its purpose is:
Empowering youth to proudly stand for what they believe in
We aim to support the next generation in understanding the power and influence of their voice and actions to create change. When young people practice compassion, determination, collaboration, and are empowered to use their voice and take action, transformational change occurs in their communities and in themselves.
Roots & Shoots 4-Step Formula to Create a Community Project
Our 4-Step Formula helps guide youth through the process of exploring their passions in order to plan and implement a project.
The 4-Step Formula
Roots & Shoots is about making positive change happen for people, other animals, and the environment. Get to know the 4-Step Roots & Shoots Formula for identifying and completing a service project in your community.
Step 1: Get Engaged
Getting excited and engaged about understanding issues in your community is the first step in the Roots & Shoots formula.
Step 2: Observe
Are you unsure of what issue you want to address? Try community mapping!
Step 3: Take Action
You and your team have mapped your community and recognized a set of local needs. Now that you have some ideas for possible projects, it’s time to plan and act!
Step 4: Celebrate
Congratulations, your project is complete! Now it’s time to celebrate.
If you want to become involved in Roots & Shoots in your area, go to the Toolkit here:
For more information on Roots & Shoots, go to:
Jane Goodall’s work will continue to educate, inspire, and encourage to motivate all who are soldiers of the planet who are working and or those who want to work for a better life for animals and humans alike. Her advice for a meaningful life is, “What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make. . .. Each one of us matters, has a role to play, and makes a difference. . .. The least I can do is speak out for those who cannot speak for themselves.”