Jane Goodall pioneered the study of chimpanzees and other great apes, starting from humble beginnings in the late 1950s as the only woman in her field. Primatology studies have changed our definition of what makes us human, and what makes humans unique.
1934-2025
RIP Jane and thank you so much for your contributions to the natural world!
Jane Goodall’s reasons for HOPE:
Energy, commitment and passion of young people:
Extraordinary intellect of humans
Resilience of nature
The power of social media
Indomitable human spirit
“What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make” - Jane Goodall
“The least I can do is speak out for those who cannot speak for themselves.” - Jane Goodall
What she learned about Chimps:
-Use of tools
-War between and within tribes
-Strong mother/infant bond
-They hunt and eat meat
-They have emotions like humans
-Changed our definition of humans (What makes us human?)
Percentage of bachelor’s degrees in biology earned by women jumped from 30% to 60% since Dr. Jane Goodall’s discoveries, 1970-2012 (Jane Goodall's Good For All News)
“It was thought that humans, and only humans, made and used tools...yet I had just watched a chimp tool-maker in action” - Jane Goodall
MORE ON JANE GOODALL:
JANE GOODALL – REASONS FOR HOPE (FILM)
ROOTS AND SHOOTS programs for youth near you
THE BOOK OF HOPE: A SURVIVAL GUIDE FOR TRYING TIMES (BOOK) by Jane Goodall and Douglas Abrahms
ME...JANE (CHILDREN’S BOOK) by Patrick McDonnell
JANE GOODALL’S GOOD FOR ALL NEWS (news source centered on Jane’s reasons for hope)
CONSERVATION AND LEGACY
Rescue and rehabilitation
Sanctuaries (Tchimpounga and Chimp Eden)
Community-led conservation
Youth empowerment (Roots and Shoots)
Women and girls’ empowerment
Reforestation
Hope