Jane Goodall, born April 1934, is an incredibly influential primatologist and anthropologist who studied chimpanzees in Tanzania for more than five decades! Her work has meant that she is now considered to be the world’s foremost expert on the development and interaction of chimpanzees.

As a young girl, it is said that Goodall was always passionate about animals and Africa so it was no surprise that when she turned 18, she moved to the Kenya highlands and contacted paleo-anthropologist and archeologist Louis Leakey. He enabled her to begin research at Gombe Stream National Park and gain her PhD in ethology; she was the eighth person to be allowed to study for this without first gaining a Bachelor of Arts or Science degree.

Within her first five years of study, she named the animals and observed their personalities; this was thought to be uncommon and strange at the time but without the scientific experience, Goodall had to direct her own research. Her findings have challenged long standing beliefs that the world had about the chimpanzees: that only humans could make and use tools and that chimpanzees were vegetarians.

Her lengthy observations disproved both of these thoughts and forced humans to redefine the difference between themselves and chimpanzees, if indeed there is one at all. Many criticise Goodall’s findings as they say she allowed herself to form an emotional bond with the animals and anthropomorphised them by assuming their personalities. However, the fact remains that Goodall’s research provided a truly unique insight into how chimpanzees behave and change over time.