Original 14”x20” watercolor painting of the legendary Dr. Jane Goodall

The first portrait of my Women in Science series

In the summer of 1960 26 year-old Jane Goodall got the offer of a lifetime- to travel to Tanzania and study the chimpanzees of Gombe Stream National Park. As a little girl Jane became enamored of Africa and dreamt of someday going there and living amongst the wildlife. So although she lacked formal academic training, Jane immediately leapt at the offer.

Over the next 60 years Jane made more progress in the field of primatology than anyone had thought possible. Her discoveries, such as chimp’s abilities to make and use tools, not only hugely expanded our knowledge of primates, but also opened our eyes to a world in which wildlife has just as much a right to respect and life as we do.

In her later life, Jane continues to serve as a figurehead for conservation and environmentalism. The Jane Goodall Foundation is a global conservation organization with a focus on community-based solutions, and Roots and Shoots is an organization which encourages young people to participate in environmentalism and conservation. At 90 year old she travels nearly 300 days a year, giving speeches and meeting with government officials.

Having been born in 1934, Jane has experienced the full scope of what it means to be a woman in the male-dominated field of science. She has pushed through the difficulties by sheer determination, passion, and force of will, and is a powerful and beautiful example of what women can do for science, wildlife, and the world.

“The least I can do is speak out for those who cannot speak for themselves.” - Jane Goodall