While Dr. Jane Goodall stands as a pillar of scientific discovery and communication today, her specific accomplishments can often be forgotten for the sake of her iconhood. However, her work has changed not only the study of primate behavior, but humanity as a whole. Goodall’s journey began as an underfunded, understaffed expedition to Gombe National Park with her mother to learn more about humans through the study of chimpanzees, where few expected their return, let alone their success. Despite her recent passing at the age of 91 , her work will not end anytime soon thanks to her tremendous impact. 

Goodall is first and foremost known for her work with chimpanzees, having published many books, articles, and documentaries on her research. In 1960 , she was the first person to witness chimpanzees creating and using tools. At the time, this discovery redefined what it meant to be a human, and Goodall used this confusion to solidify the connection between humans and their closest animal relatives. She also witnessed chimpanzees expressing empathy, comforting each other after a death, and taking in orphaned infants. These incredible discoveries were not something that Goodall just happened upon. She spent everyday for months studying the chimpanzees, taking diligent notes on their behavior as a group and as individuals. Despite the standard scientific practice at the time to use numbers, Goodall named each individual chimpanzee. The determination and humanity behind her method led to it becoming the new scientific norm in animal research studies. 

“‘We should be kind to animals because it makes better humans of us all.’”

After years of dedicated research, Goodall learned at a conference that the chimpanzee population was rapidly declining due factors including human population growth, kidnapping for medical research, and hunting for food. So, she sacrificed her love for being in the field in order to spread awareness about these issues. Goodall started travelling for months out of the year, using her excellent communication skills to both educate the public and call people to action. She started the TACARE program through the Jane Goodall Institute to help people in the villages surrounding Gombe National Park, and then went on to start Roots and Shoots, a program dedicated to teaching youth about conservation and getting them involved. Today, Roots and Shoots has grown to over 120 countries.

While Goodall’s scientific discoveries revolutionized her field, the most significant aspects of her legacy lie in how she redefined humanity. Her treatment of her beloved chimpanzees not only brought about discoveries about their connection to humanity, but inspired millions across the world to look at nature with the same compassion and love. She inspired generations of scientists, particularly women, and most researchers studying primate behavior today are female. The Jane Goodall Institute and all those she has influenced will continue to spread her love. When asked why she cared so much about animals, Goodall responded, “We should be kind to animals because it makes better humans of us all.” Although she has now passed, all the dedication, care, and love Goodall put forth into the world will continue to live on alongside the descendants of the very first chimpanzees she met over 60 years ago.