Science Weekly Remembering primatologist Jane Goodall
Oct 2, 2025
Jon Watts, The Guardian's global environment editor, shares his firsthand experiences with the iconic primatologist Jane Goodall. He reflects on her unconventional beginnings, how she revolutionized primatology by building relationships with chimpanzees, and her crucial discoveries about their social complexity and tool use. Watts highlights Goodall's transition from researcher to global activist and her lasting influence on young people and conservation efforts. Her passion, patience, and humor made her a beloved figure whose legacy will inspire future generations.
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Trust Built By Patient Observation
- Jane Goodall gained chimp trust by patiently sitting in one spot until they approached her.
- Her bond with David Greybeard opened access to behaviours others hadn't seen.
Relationships As Research Method
- Goodall rejected detached methods and named chimps to foster relationships rather than numbers.
- That relational approach revealed emotional and social complexity previously overlooked.
Tool Making Blurs Human Uniqueness
- Goodall observed tool making in chimpanzees, overturning the idea humans alone made tools.
- Leakey declared this discovery as redefining humanity's uniqueness.
