Rosita Cipolla Jane Goodall's legacy lives on through her groundbreaking research on chimpanzee behavior and her tireless conservation efforts. Her impact continues to inspire change in how we protect the planet.
@Jane Goodall Institute
“The least I can do is give a voice to those who cannot speak to defend themselves.” These words, spoken by the iconic ethologist and anthropologist Jane Goodall, encapsulate the essence of her life: a life devoted to research, animal protection, and the defense of nature. Today, however, we must sadly remember her as a legend who is no longer with us. She passed away at the age of 91, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to inspire and educate future generations.
The beginning of a groundbreaking journey
When Jane Goodall first arrived in Tanzania in 1960, few could have imagined that this young woman, armed only with a notebook and boundless curiosity, would revolutionize our relationship with the natural world. With an incredible passion for nature and animals, Jane spent years among chimpanzees, documenting behaviors that had never been observed before.
What she discovered was nothing short of revolutionary: chimpanzees not only built nests in trees to sleep, but they also used tools to gather food—an ability previously thought to be exclusively human. These observations triggered a storm in the scientific community, opening new horizons in the understanding of animal behavior and our own evolutionary past. Her research forever changed the way science viewed chimpanzees and, by extension, our relationship with all living beings.
Breaking barriers in science and education
Despite initial challenges and the lack of a formal university degree, Jane proved herself to be an outstanding scientist. She went on to earn a PhD in ethology from the University of Cambridge, with the support of her mentor, Louis Leakey, who had entrusted her with a groundbreaking research project that no one else dared to undertake. Her work on chimpanzee behavior became a milestone in biology and primatology and symbolized dedication to conservation and respect for animals. Her discoveries shattered cultural and scientific barriers, providing insights into animal behavior and the human connection to the natural world.
A life dedicated to science and nature
But Jane didn’t stop at research. She founded the Jane Goodall Institute (JGI), a beacon of hope for biodiversity conservation that continues its tireless work to protect endangered species and the environments that support them. Through her Roots & Shoots program, which engages children and young people in projects focused on environmental awareness and tangible actions to protect the planet, Jane planted the seeds for change in the hearts of thousands of young people worldwide. She taught that every small action matters and that everyone, without exception, can make a difference.
Jane Goodall was not just a scientist; she was a champion for change. Her clear, authoritative voice carried a message of hope during times when environmental devastation seemed unstoppable. She served as a UN Peace Ambassador and touched the hearts of people across the globe, teaching that our future is intrinsically linked to protecting the living beings who share this planet with us.
A legacy that continues to inspire
Even after her passing, Jane’s legacy continues to live on through the projects she initiated and the countless young people she inspired. Not only did she change the world of primatology, but she also educated a generation of activists to care for our planet. In a world that increasingly seems disconnected from nature, Jane leaves us with an indelible lesson: “Every small gesture counts.” Her life and work are a constant reminder to never give up in the fight for a more just and sustainable world.
The world Jane envisioned—a world where peace, justice, and sustainability can thrive—is still possible, but it requires our commitment. It is a call to action, a challenge to be better, to do more, and to protect what surrounds us with the same love and care she demonstrated throughout her work, until the very end.
Farewell, dear Jane! We will miss you greatly.
