This newsletter article is written to inspire all who are interested in wildlife conservation and preservation.
Born in London in 1934, to a businessman and a novelist, Jane received a chimpanzee toy when she was a one-year-old kid from her father. Her interest in animals grew as the years rolled by. She developed a natural love for the outdoors and animals.
- When she was eight years old, she read the Tarzan and Dr. Dolittle series and fell in love with Africa. In her leisure time, she observed native birds and animals, making extensive notes and sketches. She read widely on zoology and ethology. Jane dreamed of traveling to work with animals.
- After high school and a brief stint on secretarial courses, in 1957, Jane visited her friend’s family on their farm outside Nairobi. Subsequently, she found a job as a secretary. Her interests led her to contact Louis Leakey, the famous curator of Corydon Museum in Nairobi.
- Impressed by Jane’s interest in wild animals, Leakey was wondering whether she could undertake a research project to study Chimpanzees. Jane Goodall accepted the offer to do the project in the forests of Tanzania.
- In July 1960, at the age of 26, Jane traveled from England to Tanzania and ventured into the world of chimpanzees. She had only binoculars, a notebook, and an unlimited fascination with wildlife. Not wanting to let her travel alone, her mother Vanne also accompanied her.
- They arrived on the shores of the Gombe Stream Chimpanzee Reserve in Western Tanzania. Little did Jane know at that time that she had to spend a few decades there.
- During the first few months, she could not watch any chimpanzees, but later the chimpanzees recognized her and were able to come near her.
- Jane observed Chimpanzees as individuals, just like humans. They have long-term bonds and kinship. She made startling discoveries that chimpanzees eat meat, hunt, and kill other small animals.
- Jane found that Chimpanzees know how to make and use tools like humans. They form groups and often have group wars among them. Chimpanzees kill babies in their communities.
- Her first research book, “My Friends, the Wild Chimpanzees” published by National Geographical magazine earned her a PhD in 1966 from Cambridge University. She has written a few other books on her findings titled “Shadow of Man” (1971), “The Chimpanzee Family Book”- 1989, which won her a UNESCO Award, and “Seeds of Hope” (2014).
- Jane became a visiting professor at Stanford University during 1970-75. She is also a regular faculty member at the University of Dares Salaam. She travels across the world, speaking at various forums on the need to protect the environment, especially rare animals.
- The United Nations named her as a messenger of peace for her untiring work to create a peaceful world. Dr. Jane Goodall has redefined our responsibility to other species of the universe. The aim of her organization, Jane Goodall Institute (JGI) is to protect chimpanzees.
- JGI functions closely with the Wildlife Conservation Society. JGI completes 5 decades of service in the research of Chimpanzees. Dr. Goodall asserts that “You cannot get through a single day without impacting the world around you”. She advises us to protect the ecosystem.
Content courtesy of Google, Wikipedia, National Geographic Magazine, Britannica, Biography, BBC, and many other journals.
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