American Talent
The Greatest That Made It Great
American ingenuity architects
A chronicle of brilliance
Primatologist and environmentalist Jane Goodall
Thanks to Jane Goodall, we know much more about primates than ever before, and the need of protecting these animals is more widely recognized. The enormous contributions one person can make to our understanding of the planet and to maintaining its biodiversity are epitomized by this trailblazing scientist and environmentalist. Conservation efforts around the world still draw inspiration from her life and the necessity of her mission.
Dr. Jane Goodall is an iconic figure in the scientific world for many reasons, including her revolutionary research with chimpanzees and her unwavering commitment to environmental activism. Her groundbreaking research on primates and our place in the animal kingdom began in the 1960s at Gombe Stream National Park in Tanzania and had a lasting impact.
Goodall was born in London, England in 1934, and she has been interested in animals ever since. She first met the famous anthropologist and paleontologist Dr. Louis Leakey in 1960, when a friend brought her to Kenya. Leakey arranged for Goodall to study chimpanzees at Gombe because he was so impressed by her enthusiasm and expertise.
Innovations at Gombe: Goodall's fieldwork there, conducted with little more than a notebook and a pair of binoculars, pushed the boundaries of conventional scientific observation. Instead of standing on the sidelines, she participated fully in the chimpanzees' daily lives, earning their trust in the process.
She made the groundbreaking observation that chimpanzees, long thought to be incapable of such behavior, actually build and utilize tools. The discovery prompted a rethinking of human nature.
Goodall's focus switched from observation to conservation as she progressed in her fieldwork. After seeing the effects of the illicit wildlife trade on the chimpanzees' natural habitat, she became a staunch supporter of their causes. The Jane Goodall Institute she founded in 1977 is now at the forefront of international conservation efforts.
Goodall has left a lasting impression that goes far beyond the fields of primatology and conservation. Her research at Gombe has influenced many young scientists and environmentalists. Her holistic method, which highlighted the chimpanzees' unique personalities and feelings, fostered a more compassionate outlook on animals.
Her relentless work to raise awareness about environmental issues has helped in the fight against global warming and for the preservation of animals. Roots & Shoots, her educational initiative, has trained youth from over 50 nations to become conservation leaders.
Goodall was born in London, England in 1934, and she has been interested in animals ever since. She first met the famous anthropologist and paleontologist Dr. Louis Leakey in 1960, when a friend brought her to Kenya. Leakey arranged for Goodall to study chimpanzees at Gombe because he was so impressed by her enthusiasm and expertise.
Innovations at Gombe: Goodall's fieldwork there, conducted with little more than a notebook and a pair of binoculars, pushed the boundaries of conventional scientific observation. Instead of standing on the sidelines, she participated fully in the chimpanzees' daily lives, earning their trust in the process.
She made the groundbreaking observation that chimpanzees, long thought to be incapable of such behavior, actually build and utilize tools. The discovery prompted a rethinking of human nature.
Goodall's focus switched from observation to conservation as she progressed in her fieldwork. After seeing the effects of the illicit wildlife trade on the chimpanzees' natural habitat, she became a staunch supporter of their causes. The Jane Goodall Institute she founded in 1977 is now at the forefront of international conservation efforts.
Goodall has left a lasting impression that goes far beyond the fields of primatology and conservation. Her research at Gombe has influenced many young scientists and environmentalists. Her holistic method, which highlighted the chimpanzees' unique personalities and feelings, fostered a more compassionate outlook on animals.
Her relentless work to raise awareness about environmental issues has helped in the fight against global warming and for the preservation of animals. Roots & Shoots, her educational initiative, has trained youth from over 50 nations to become conservation leaders.
