After six decades as a prominent primatologist, Dr Jane Goodall stands as one of our most prominent campaigners for the animal world and our natural habitats, and even at 90, she’s not done yet.
The times have changed somewhat since Jane Goodall’s childhood, spent around the leafy loveliness of London’s Hampstead. “From a young age, I harboured a dream that many found unrealistic – I envisioned myself growing up, travelling to Africa, living among wild animals and authoring books about them,” she begins. “In those times, it was rare for women to pursue careers in science, so my ambitions were often met with laughter.”
Two crucial allies in Goodall’s journey were traditional mother Margaret, and businessman father Mortimer, who both encouraged her to explore the natural world.
In 1957, Goodall met Dr. Louis Leakey, a prominent British paleoanthropologist and archaeologist, and three years later the pair started a ground-breaking study at Gombe Stream National Park in Tanzania. There, working with minimal resources, she quickly established a research station and began her observations of wild chimpanzees.
Over the decades since, her pioneering work has revolutionised our understanding of primate behaviour and human evolution, often to the chagrin of some of her male peers in the field.
“It just wasn’t accepted that a woman would be such a leader… such a driving force behind research,” she explains. “I am so glad we are at a different point of understanding and tolerance now, where there is the same respect and allowance for anyone of any background to push forward with what inspires them.
“Back then emotions would span derision through to anger, but I kept on – I knew I had to.”
One of the ethologist’s most significant discoveries was observing chimpanzees using tools in the wild, as well as gaining deep insight into the social structures in chimpanzee communities, including dominance hierarchies. “The more I learned, the more I realised how like us they were; and the more I came to see chimpanzees as beings with their own personalities, minds, and emotions.”
In the years since, the scientist’s conservation efforts have expanded exponentially, founding the Jane Goodall Institute (JGI) in 1977, which operates a variety of programs focused on wildlife conservation, education, habitat restoration, anti-poaching and sustainability.
“I look back over it all now and believe I was placed on this planet with a specific purpose. Now I’m searching for those who will take the work on, and I must admit I am constantly in awe of the enthusiasm and empowerment I witness in the young people I meet.
“Their energy in return provides in me a reassurance that booms loud, and says ‘we will be okay’… and that is incredible.”
