Jane Goodall traveled from England to Gombe, Tanzania to study chimpanzees when she was only 26. She took an unorthodox approach to field research by immersing herself in the chimpanzees' habitat and lives. From experiencing their complex society first-hand, she came to understand the intricacies of chimpanzees' emotions and long-term bonds. Dr. Jane Goodall’s discovery in 1960 that chimpanzees make and use tools is considered one of the greatest achievements of twentieth-century scholarship. Her field research at Gombe transformed our understanding of chimpanzees and redefined the relationship between humans and animals.
In 1977, Dr. Goodall founded the Jane Goodall Institute to support research in Gombe and the protection of chimpanzees in their habitats. In the late 1980s, the issues of rapidly deforestation and declining chimpanzee populations continued to worsen across Africa. Goodall redefined conservation by recognizing the central role local communities play in the well-being of animals and habitat. Today, Goodall travels around the world, writing, speaking and encouraging each of us to make the world a better place. As a conservationist, humanitarian and activist for the ethical treatment of animals, she is a global force and a UN Messenger of Peace.
Over the years, Goodall's groundbreaking research at Gombe has served as an example for many women, who were nearly absent from the field of primatology when she began. Today, women lead the field of long-term primate behavioral studies around the world. She also inspires hundreds of thousands of young people to take action for conservation in their own lives and communities through the Roots & Shoots youth program.
Learn more and contribute to Jane's conservation legacy at the Jane Goodall Institute
Dr. Goodall studied chimpanzees in Gombe Stream National Park, Tanzania, in 1960. Check out the map!