A Lifetime with Chimps

Jane Goodall was one of the most extraordinary scientists and conservationists of the 20th and 21st centuries. Her pioneering research on wild chimpanzees in Africa fundamentally changed how the world understands animals - and humanity itself. But her compass was larger: "All animals matter. Every animal is an individual. Just as every human being is an individual and all are deserving of our respect and our compassion and our care."

- Farzana Contractor

I am most certain the day Jane Goodall passed away, there was a buzz in the jungles and forests all over the world. The animal kingdom must have been shattered, come to a standstill, gone into mourning. There may not be scientific basis for this thought of mine but I am certain when someone as extraordinary as Jane who had lived her whole life radiating love, care and compassion for animals passes, she would leave behind a kind of energetic imprint — that animals would feel. Her spiritual connection would ensure that. It would be something beyond what science could measure. Jane Goodall loved nature and nature itself would have paused out of respect, in its own quiet way.

The whole world knows about Jane’s connection with wild chimpanzees but before I get to that let me tell you that though she spent 65 years with that species, it was dogs that Jane’s heart beat for. They were her most favourite animals. She once said, “I don’t really like to go for a walk without a dog.” Why is that she was asked? “A dog gives the walk a purpose.” “How?” “Well, you are making someone else happy.”

Jane had a rather unconventional approach to her scientific studies on chimpanzees. When questioned about that, her answer incorporated dogs! Or at least one specific one. Here is the anecdote.