Spreading the Word
Goodall began to publish her field research. Still, many scientists were doubtful. In 1962, Goodall gave a speech for London’s Zoological Society. Some scientists said that her research was guesswork and made no “real contribution to science.”
A chimpanzee digs for termites with a blade of grass.
Melissa reaches out her hand to Faben.
Proof Positive
Goodall needed more evidence of her work. The National Geographic Society suggested she take photos of her discoveries.
The Society hired Hugo van Lawick for the job. He’d had some experience taking photos of wildlife. He reached Gombe in August 1962.
At first, he didn’t take pictures of Goodall with the chimps. But the magazine editors wanted photos of her as well. It was unusual for a woman to be a scientist at this time. People were curious about her.
The photos van Lawick took were proof of the chimps’ toolmaking, nest building, and other behavior. They also showed Goodall at work. His photographs appeared with her words in National Geographic’s August 1963 magazine.
The cover of National Geographic magazine, August 1963
A Novel Approach
The issue was a huge success. In 1964, Goodall was set to give her first lecture in the United States.
Jane knew what she wanted to say. She reported on her scientific discoveries. She described Gombe’s beauty and peacefulness. She also described the chimps by their personalities and the names she’d given them.
Jane expressed the need to protect the chimps and prevent them from being shot or sold to circuses. She spoke about David Greybeard. He was the chimp who had opened doors to many important discoveries.
a chimp named Pom
Goodall watches Flint from a doorway.
“David Greybeard ... has put his complete trust in man,” she said. “Shall we fail him? Surely it’s up to us . . . to ensure that . . . these fantastic . . . creatures continue to live undisturbed in their natural habitat.”
Jane Goodall, Continued
Jane Goodall went on to earn her Ph.D. from Cambridge University. She has published many magazine articles and books. In 1991, she founded an organization called “Roots & Shoots” in Tanzania. Its goal is to help young people begin careers in conservation work. Today, her work in conservation continues.
