Jane Goodall is a beacon of hope in a world where the natural world is under threat. As a leading primatologist and animal welfare activist, Goodall has dedicated her life to protecting chimpanzees. But her work doesn't end there. She also advocates for a plant-based diet and the ethical treatment of animals (yes, Jane Goodall is vegan).
Her work with chimpanzees
Her groundbreaking research transformed our understanding of primates and challenged long-held assumptions about their social structures and intelligence. Yet, for Goodall, the fight for a more sustainable and compassionate world extends far beyond the animal kingdom.
Throughout her career, Jane Goodall paved the way as an advocate for the planet. Her work with chimpanzees in Tanzania in the 1960s was groundbreaking, as she observed their behavior in the wild and challenged the prevailing view that only humans were capable of complex social structures and intelligence. Her findings changed our understanding of these remarkable creatures and helped establish the need for their protection and conservation.
But Goodall's dedication to the natural world went beyond chimpanzees, and over time she has become an outspoken advocate for environmentalism and animal welfare more broadly. She founded the Jane Goodall Institute in 1977, which has since become a leading global organization dedicated to the protection of wildlife and the environment. The institute has worked to protect endangered species, promote conservation efforts, and support sustainable development initiatives around the world.
This is why Jane Goodall is vegan
Today, Jane Goodall is vegan, though this wasn't always the case. Goodall adopted a plant-based diet in 2015, after realizing the negative impact of animal agriculture on the environment, animal welfare, and human health. Prior to that, she had been a vegetarian for many years. She has highlighted the ethical implications of animal agriculture, including the suffering of animals raised for food and the environmental damage caused by industrial farming. Jane Goodall is a vegan because she believes that a plant-based diet not only promotes animal welfare and protects the planet, but also plays a key role in maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Despite many challenges, Goodall remains a tireless and inspiring figure in the world of environmentalism and animal welfare. Her passion and dedication have spurred countless individuals to take action for the planet and its inhabitants. And her work continues to transform our understanding of our relationship with the natural world.
Goodall said, "We all have the choice to make a difference in what we eat, how we live, and what we buy." Want to follow in her footsteps? There are plenty of places to jump in, from supporting conservation efforts to reducing your carbon footprint.
5 fun facts about Jane Goodall
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Jane Goodall was only 26 years old when she first traveled to Gombe, Tanzania to study chimpanzees in the wild. Despite having no formal scientific training, she made groundbreaking discoveries about chimpanzee behavior. Her work challenged prevailing assumptions about the intelligence and social complexity of non-human animals.
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Goodall is known for her close relationships with individual chimpanzees. Perhaps the most famous of these chimpanzees was a young male named David Greybeard. He was the first to be observed using tools in the wild.
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In addition to her scientific work, Goodall has written more than 20 books on topics ranging from animal behavior to environmentalism. Her best-known work is probably her memoir, "In the Shadow of Man," which chronicles her early years studying chimpanzees in Tanzania.
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Goodall is also a public speaker. She uses her fame to raise awareness about the threats facing chimpanzees and other species. Equally important, she also promotes conservation efforts and sustainable living. In 2002, she became a UN Messenger of Peace. Similarly, in 2019, she was named a Companion of Honour by the British government for her contributions to science and animal welfare.
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Goodall is a lover of animals beyond just chimpanzees. She loves dogs and has owned several over the years. In fact, during her early years studying chimpanzees in Tanzania, she often relied on the help of a German shepherd named Rusty. He helped her navigate the unfamiliar terrain and provided protection from wild animals.
Want to learn more about Jan Goodall's mission?
Head to janegoodall.org to discover how you can support the Jane Goodall Institute and its mission to protect chimpanzees and their habitats. Or contact them directly at info@janegoodall.org.
Additionally, you can also get involved with Roots & Shoots, the global youth-led community action program founded by Jane Goodall. The program empowers young people to take action on behalf of the environment, animals, and their communities. To learn more or get involved, visit rootsandshoots.org or contact info@rootsandshoots.org.
Jane Goodall on the big screen
There are several documentaries about the life and work of Jane Goodall.
First, one of the most well-known documentaries is "Jane," released in 2017 and directed by Brett Morgen. The film is based on previously unseen footage from National Geographic archives. It documents Goodall's early years studying chimpanzees in Tanzania. The documentary provides a fascinating look at Goodall's personal and professional journey, including her relationship with chimpanzee research assistant and husband, Hugo van Lawick.
Another notable documentary is "Jane Goodall: The Hope," released in 2020 and directed by National Geographic photographer and filmmaker, David Douglas. The film explores Goodall's current work and activism, including her efforts to empower young people through the Roots & Shoots program. It also showcases her advocacy for sustainable living and conservation efforts.
In addition to these documentaries, there are several other films and television programs that feature Jane Goodall. "Chimpanzee," is a 2012 nature documentary from Disneynature that features footage from her research. And "Surviving Progress," is a 2011 documentary exploring the consequences of economic growth and technology.
Whether you are a longtime fan of Jane Goodall's work or just discovering her for the first time, these documentaries offer a fascinating glimpse into her life, research, and advocacy. Furthermore, they are sure to inspire and educate audiences about the importance of protecting our planet and its inhabitants.