Monkeying around
In July 1960, 26-year-old Dr. Jane Goodall travelled from England to Tanzania and ventured into the Gombe Stream National Park, in western Kigoma Region, Tanzania, into the little-known world of wild chimpanzees.
Jane entered the forest of Gombe, with a little more than a notebook, binoculars and an interest in wildlife. At that time, the world did not know a lot about chimpanzees, and even less about their unique characteristics similar to humans. She braved the unknown, to get a better understanding of the animals, and to shine some light on them.
She was different however, with how she made her studies. She decided the best way to learn about them was to completely immerse herself with the animals in their habitat and their lives so she could experience their society and how they interacted with one another. She saw them as not just another animal species, but as individuals with emotions and long-term bonds. She became friends with them.
In 1960, Jane discovered that chimpanzees make and use tools, much like humans do. This was considered a great discovery leading to redefining the relationship between humans and animals. Jane worked for nearly 60 years with chimpanzees showing us the urgent need to protect them from extinction.
Today, she travels the world speaking about the threats chimpanzees and the environment faces, asking each of us to take action for all the living things and the planet we share.
A quick look at some important milestones in her life:
