Jane Goodall, a zoologist, died on October 1 at the age of 91. Goodall was renowned for her research and advocacy for chimpanzees. She became famous in the 1960s for her detailed reports on chimpanzee life.
Goodall redefined research in her field by accounting for the seemingly trivial details. This perspective allowed her to discover that chimpanzees actually have complex emotions, something that was heavily disputed prior to her findings.
Another way she approached research was by fully immersing herself in the world of chimpanzees. Goodall was only the second researcher to study chimpanzees in the wild, and she initially faced criticism for her techniques — like naming the chimpanzees — because they were deemed as unprofessional.
Despite these critiques, Goodall’s methods eventually led to her groundbreaking discovery: chimpanzees not only crafted tools, but they invented them, too. Chimpanzees used sticks and stiff blades of grass to extract termites from holes. This newfound knowledge was so valuable because the differentiating characteristic between humans and other primates at the time was the ability to make and use tools.
This finding granted Goodall fame and funding, but what set her apart from other scientists was genuine passion for the animals she studied. She worked tirelessly to improve the living conditions of chimpanzees in research facilities, where the animals were kept in small metal cages and subjected to invasive experiments.
Goodall established the Jane Goodall Institute in 1977 and as a global non-profit dedicated to conservation. The institute works to fight against illegal chimpanzee trafficking, rehabilitate captive chimpanzees, restore ecosystems and advocate for animal rights in scientific research.
Goodall’s legacy is monumental, especially through the Roots and Shoots program at the institute, which focuses on empowering young people to engage in activism. This program expands past the realm of the sciences, allowing participants to pursue what they are passionate about.
Jane Goodall has inspired an entire generation to do their part in helping the world by not only being a trailblazer in her field, but also by being a young woman in a male-dominated industry. When Goodall first went to Tanzania to conduct research, she was forced to take her mother with her as a companion because it was deemed improper for a young lady to travel alone. Her initiative turned a predominantly male field into one of equal opportunity.
Even for people who are unfamiliar with zoology, Jane Goodall is still a recognizable name. Clare Gartz ‘26 shared, “I remember reading about her in one of those “Who Was?” books and thinking she was cool.” Goodall’s legacy as the author of more than 25 books, the subject of over 40 films and someone with immeasurable achievements in both science and conservation ensure that she will not be forgotten.