April 3rd, 2026 marks the first annual Jane Goodall Day, in recognition of the late primatologist. In 1960, Goodall set out on the adventure of a lifetime, to study chimpanzees in their natural habitat at Gombe Stream National Park in Tanzania. The 26-year-old watched quietly as she slowly gained their trust. Her observations revealed a rare glimpse at chimpanzee community life, family structures, social behaviors and most shockingly, their use of tools.
Scientists believed no other animal besides humans crafted and used tools. However, on November 4th, 1960, a chimpanzee Goodall named David Greybeard was observed taking a stick, removing its twigs and using it to fish for bugs inside a log. This puzzled long held scientific beliefs and forever changed the world’s understanding of our close relatives.
These early findings resulted in more attention and resources offered to primate research. Soon after, Goodall founded the Jane Goodall Institute, supporting wildlife conservation, research and education.
In 1991, Goodall founded Roots and Shoots, an organization dedicated to supporting young people in caring for the people, animals and nature found in their neighborhoods. Students can apply for a mini grant to fund a small project and connect with other groups eager to make a difference.
In October 2025, Goodall passed away peacefully in her sleep. Her birthday, April 3rd, is now known as Jane Goodall Day, a day to celebrate her life, research and advocacy. Many credit her as a source of hope and inspiration to do good. As her famous quotes says, “what you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.”
