The first weeks at Gombe were difficult for Jane as she had to delay her work due to health issues. Once she recovered, she began her research by hiking miles through rough terrain and dense vegetation with the hope of spotting chimpanzees. However, she often did not succeed in this goal.

Finally, Jane found them and started watching an older chimpanzee, who she called David Greybeard. Since he was a high-ranking male in his chimpanzee community, other members also let Jane study them. During her research, Jane observed how David Greybeard used blades of rigid grass to extract termites from their holes. After witnessing such an incredible scene, she gave Dr. Leaky the news, to which he replied: “Now we must redefine ‘tool,’ redefine ‘man,’ or accept chimpanzees as humans.”

As she continued her work at Gombe Stream National park, she made 3 significant discoveries that questioned conventional scientific beliefs: chimpanzees are omnivores, and can make and use tools.

In 1962, along with Dr. Leaky’s help, Jane started a doctoral program even though she didn’t have an undergraduate degree. At Cambridge University, she would have differences with senior scientists regarding her methods for studying chimpanzees, like giving them names instead of using a numbering system and suggesting that these animals are emotional creatures with their own personalities. Despite this, Jane’s first book, “My Friends, the Wild Chimpanzees” was very popular, and she continued her research at Gombe Stream National Park for the following 20 years.

Comments to article «Jane Goodall’s Story, the Former Waitress Who Proved Chimpanzees Are Extremely Brilliant Creatures»