Jane Goodall: A Peacemaker Until The End

by Mia Ricci '29

On October 1st, Jane Morris Goodall, a world renowned primatologist and anthropologist died on October 1st in LA during The Peace Press Tour, an event in LA to plant a tree as a symbol of peace. Jane Goodall was a peacemaker for both animals and people alike and will be dearly missed. 

At age 26 Jane left school in England to travel to Africa and study among animals. Dr. Goodall's methods were considered unorthodox, but effective, and gave us information that

changed the science field. Goodall's research demonstrated that chimpanzees share many key traits with humans, such as using tools, having complex emotions, forming lasting social bonds, engaging in organized warfare, and passing on knowledge across generations, which redefined the traditional view that humans are uniquely different from other animals. Even though she was only equipped with a notebook and binoculars she found out pivotal information that then helped us to discover that chimpanzees are more like us than we could have ever imagined. 

In 1965, the University of Cambridge awarded Goodall a PhD in ethology. She was one of very few to ever receive a PhD without a bachelor’s degree. In 1977, Goodall founded the Jane Goodall Institute for Wildlife Research. Over her many years of studying chimpanzees she was able to teach the world about our beautiful animals and how we are not that different from them. She not only learned that chimpanzees are not vegetarians but she also found out that they used tools the way humans use utensils. Goodall wrote many books of her findings and was a whole hearted advocate for the animals in the world. In 2002, Dr. Jane Goodall became an UN Messenger of Peace to advocate for the kids of the world and champion women in science.

       Jane Goodall was both a role model to young women of that time and of now. Even though she never got to go to university, she still became a renowned doctor and peace advocate. It is with very heavy hearts that now we must say goodbye to such a role model; however, maybe now the world will realize just how important peace truly is. And it is on that note that we must say goodbye to Jane Goodall and wish that she rest in peace.

All Photos Courtesy of BBC

Source: janegoodall.org

Edited by: Kavya Chacko '26, Catherine Polatidis '26 & Ms. Brillant

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