Dr. Jane Goodall: The Wild Fight for Our Planet

In today’s episode, we explore the Jane Goodall legacy, hearing from the leader and luminary herself, who has, for decades, made significant contributions to not only the scientific world, but to, arguably, the entire planet.

When 26-year-old, British-born Jane Goodall began field studies of primates in Tanzania in July 1960, she was the first researcher to observe chimpanzees in the wild, and she remains the world’s foremost expert on chimpanzees. Her rigorous and creative approach quickly gained the attention of the National Geographic Society, which awarded her first grant, and has passionately championed her work in the decades since. Despite never getting a college degree, Dr. Goodall was accepted at Cambridge University, earned her PhD in ethology in 1966, and spent decades in the Gombe Stream National Park studying chimpanzee communities, eventually becoming the only human to ever be accepted into a chimpanzee society.

Dr. Goodall was a legendary conservationist, galvanizing educator, UN Messenger of Peace, and an inspiring writer and public speaker. Her curiosity, empathy, wisdom, protective heart, and unshakeable hope reflected the best of humanity, and even though this conversation is short, you’ll hear all of those exemplary characteristics embodied in her voice and story.

• Read the transcript of this episode
• Catch the video edition of this episode here: National Geographic Wildlife Intelligence Project: Inspired by Jane Goodall & the Templeton Prize
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• Supported by Templeton World Charity Foundation