Jane Goodall and Hope for The World

By Julie Thomas, PhD

I learned of Jane Goodall’s death as I was beginning my article for this edition and quickly decided to save that idea for another time. I needed to write about Jane—the Jane who inspired me and millions of others globally.

Chickens and Worms. Jane actually began wildlife observations at a very young age. In one story, young Jane went into the chicken coop and hid behind a mound of hay until she saw a chicken lay an egg. Now she knew where eggs came from! In another story, Jane’s mother found earthworms beneath Jane’s pillow. Jane had planned to share her comfortable bed, but her clever mother helped Jane understand the worms would die under her pillow—and needed to go back to the moist garden soil to survive.

Chimpanzees. Jane went into the forest to study chimpanzees—and came out of the forest to save them. When she discovered they were threatened by habitat destruction and illegal trafficking, Jane developed a species conservation plan that improves connections among people, animals, and the environment. Today, the Jane Goodall Institute ensures continuation of her conservation plan in mobilizing the compassionate, collective power of individuals to save the natural world we share.

Sandhill Cranes. Yes, Jane had a Nebraska connection—the Sandhill Crane migration.

For the past 20 years, this world-renowned scientist would find a spot along the Platte River where she could plop down to lean against a hay bale, face the setting sun, and watch the cranes come into the river for the night.

Hope. Jane inspired generations of scientists (like me) and urged all of us to remember that “every single one of us makes a difference every day—it is up to us as to the kind of difference we make.” Her legacy will continue via ongoing research at a community-centered conservation program in Gombe, sanctuaries in South Africa, and Roots & Shoots, a global program that encourages young people to begin hands-on programs for their local community, animals, and environment. Perhaps you and one of your young, loved ones can define a difference to make together.

Learn More

Visit Roots & Shoots, a Youth Movement of the Jane Goodall Institute at rootsandshoots.org.

Julie Thomas, PhD, is a retired Science Educator and a Research Professor Emerita from the University of Nebraska, and a contributing writer for 55+.