An Ode to Dr. Jane Goodall

As a kid, I wore out the Disney Tarzan VHS tape. I remember relating to Jane, a young woman eager to enter the jungle, and who was the only one of her party to truly love and understand animals. I had a juvenile crush on Tarzan, and I still sometimes listen to the soundtrack.

About 65 years before I watched the Disney version, a young British girl would pick up the book Tarzan of the Apes and fall in love with the title hero and Africa between the turning of pages. Her name was Jane Goodall.

Goodall would go on to revolutionize our understanding of chimps and what truly makes humans different in the animal kingdom. Initially, her methods were unorthodox—she didn't even have a science degree when she first set off for Africa at 26 years old—but her observations and discoveries would go on to be proven by further study. Goodall would also eventually get a doctorate, but her inquisitiveness, openness, and affection for her subjects would turn out to be her ultimate strengths.

Growing up loving animals, I don't remember a time when I did not know who Jane Goodall was. To me, she became the real-life Jane from Tarzan. In fact, for a long time, I believed she was the inspiration for the character. (I feel it would be impossible when creating the animated film not to take some inspiration from Goodall).

In my early childhood, I wanted to work with animals—first, as a vet, and then, as an animal trainer. Eventually, it was easy to determine I did not have the heart for it. I still love animals deeply and take an interest in these subjects, but I do not think it is something I could do as a career. I'd burst into tears daily, and I definitely do not have the patience for animal training.

Still, I cannot imagine my life without animals. I'll always have at least one pet, feed stray cats, and unabashedly love animals with my entire being. This is where I feel a sort of kinship with Jane Goodall.

Jane Goodall gave names to her chimp subjects, used human pronouns (he, she), and described chimps what were once believed to be human-only emotions. Yet, from an early age, I could relate to animals through the simplest forms of communication: facial expression, eye contact, and intuition. To me, it was obvious when my cat felt lonely or that my grandparents' weiner dog enjoyed when I read to him. I did not know—and frankly could not fathom—that not everyone understood animals in this way.

But Jane did.

Later on in my senior year of my undergraduate studies, Dr. Goodall came to the theatre in my university town. My friend and I planned to get tickets, but they sold out so quickly that we could not get them. I always hoped I'd get another chance to see Dr. Goodall speak in person. Unfortunately, that will not be the case.

Dr. Jane Goodall died earlier this week, leaving behind a legacy across the world. I will always admire her for her advocacy, contribution to science, and how she paved the way for women scientists. She did not discriminate and did not go to Africa to "save it." Jane Goodall went to find herself and save the chimps and all the world's animals that she loved so much.

I know Dr. Jane Goodall's legacy will continue on even without her in this world. Still, the world lost an important advocate, a brilliant mind, and a kindred spirit who it will likely never replace.

Thank you, Jane.

Signed,

The World