Jane Goodall
Ethologist, Conservationist (United Kingdom)
“In honor of her lifelong dedication to inspire greater understanding and action on behalf of the natural world.”
Through her transformative wildlife research, conservation activities and tireless advocacy, she has empowered many people around the world to make a difference for the future of all living things.
Profile
Jane Goodall, born in London, England is an ethologist and conservationist, known for her groundbreaking research of wild chimpanzees in Gombe Stream National Park, which continues today and is the longest running wild chimpanzee study in the world.
At 26, she followed her passion for wildlife to Gombe, Tanzania where she began her pioneering study of wild chimpanzees. Her revelatory observation that chimpanzees make and use tools rocked the scientific landscape and forever redefined our understanding of the relationship between humans and other animals.
She founded the Jane Goodall Institute (JGI) in 1977 and today there are 24 Institutes worldwide, including the Jane Goodall Institute Japan. All work to advance the core programs including research and conservation of wild chimpanzees in Africa, two sanctuaries for orphan chimpanzees, and community-led conservation through JGI’s Tacare approach which empowers local communities to own the process of sustainable development and conservation. JGI’s Roots & Shoots is a global program empowering young people of all ages to become involved in hands-on projects of their choosing to benefit the community, animals and the environment and is now active in 70 countries.
Today, at the age of 90, Jane Goodall continues to travel more than 300 days a year speaking to large audiences, schools, universities and corporate groups with her messages of hope. She reminds us all that our daily actions make a difference and that the kind of difference we make is up to us.
Dr. Goodall is recipient of more than 60 honorary degrees, many awards and honors including the Kyoto Prize, the Medal of Tanzania, the Tang Prize and the Templeton Prize. She is the author of numerous books for adults and children including her latest book, “The Book of Hope: A Survival Guide for Trying Times,” and her life is the subject of many television and documentary films.
Learn more about the Jane Goodall Institute:
Jane Goodall Institute
Roots & Shoots
Jane Goodall Institute Japan