Sadly, these incredible primates are endangered because of both habitat loss and poaching.
By protecting bonobos, we safeguard the biodiversity of the Congo Basin and preserve yet another species that teaches us so much about peace and empathy.
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Although chimpanzee societies are patriarchal, bonobos are matriarchal. Their relationships are built on trust, on playfulness, and on mutual support.
Bonobos show us that kindness and connection are powerful forces – not just for animals but for us, too.
Did you know that, just like chimpanzees, bonobos are one of our closest animal relatives?
These great apes are known for their strong social bonds, cooperation, and the unique way that they resolve conflict – through affection!
Photos: Fernando Turmo
Was the photo – which shows Dr. Jane tracking chimpanzee movements through her telescope – worth the wait? Yes! She said: "I was pretty proud of myself. I love that picture."
The more you know! Want to learn more about what Dr. Jane saw through her telescope? Go to:
The photo was taken in Gombe, where Dr. Jane made groundbreaking observations of chimpanzees.
"I had to set up the tripod and fiddle about until I had the tripod and the imagined image of me framed just right. That was in the days before digital, so I had to wait a long time."
It's true: Dr. Jane took this photo alone. Have you ever heard the story?
"I was on my own, very high up in the hills, and I thought: 'What a great photo this would make.' I had to find a place where there was a tree that was just right for balancing the camera," Dr. Jane said.
To learn more about how our integrated approach – including community awareness and education, training and support for rangers and ecoguards, and collaboration with authorities – works, and to see how responsible social media can help address the problem, go to:
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We need an integrated, holistic, long-term, and collaborative response – rooted in respect and shared responsibility.
The Jane Goodall Institute is positioned to contribute meaningfully.
Behind every trafficked animal is an untold story of suffering, ecosystem damage, and criminal activity – and an unfortunate reminder that, as humans, we simply have not yet done enough.
To confront this kind of global crisis, we need more than isolated actions.
Wildlife trafficking is pushing hundreds of endangered species closer and closer to extinction – including some of the planet's most iconic species.
This isn't acceptable.
The consequences of wildlife trafficking are devastating for animals, people, and the environment.
Photos: Fernando Turmo
But none of this is possible without you.
Whether you give a one-time gift, join Team Goodall and become a monthly donor, or adopt one of the chimpanzees at Tchimpounga Sanctuary, your generosity helps create real change.
To see all of the ways you can give, go to JaneGoodall.ca/Ways-To-Give.
Through JGI's Tchimpounga Sanctuary, we're ensuring rescued chimpanzees get the specialized care they need and the second chance they deserve.
And through community-led conservation, we're ensuring people have the resources they need to protect forests, support sustainable livelihoods, and more.
The work that Dr. Jane started isn't stopping.
Through Roots & Shoots, the program that she launched with students in 1991, we're nurturing the next generation of changemakers and equipping them with what they need to succeed.
Photos: Nina Rustogi / Fernando Turmo / Norman Jean Roy / Nick Tiringer
To learn more about David Greybeard and the observations that Dr. Jane made at Gombe, and to see how you can support her legacy and advance our mission, go to JaneGoodall.ca/Gombe.
Note: We do not endorse the handling of, or close proximity to, wildlife. This represents a historical context.
Have you ever heard the incredible story about David Greybeard?
He was the chimpanzee who lost his fear before the others, let Dr. Jane get near him, and showed her how chimpanzees use twigs as tools.
An incredible moment in history – observed by the one and only Dr. Jane Goodall.
For decades, one stuffed toy monkey travelled with Dr. Jane from country to country, inspiring people at each stop — and it's his birthday!
Watch this video to hear more of Mr. H's story from Dr. Jane herself – and join us as we wish Mr. H the happiest of birthdays!
At the Jane Goodall Institute of Canada, we carry forth that mission by advancing community-led conservation, protecting and conserving wildlife, and supporting young changemakers through Roots & Shoots.
Where have you seen Dr. Jane's name?
There are many more we could have included, but we don't have space!
Wherever you see her name, know that it reflects a lifetime devoted to understanding, protecting, and respecting all living things.
• Gibberula goodallae, sea snail species
• Tachymenoides goodallae, snake species
• Dendrobium goodallianum, orchid species
• Jane Goodall Rose, hybrid tea rose
• Jane the Bilby
• Jane the Rat, trained to detect landmines and tuberculosis
• Goodalli, chimpanzee in Gombe
• Goodall, great white shark
For decades now, scientists, conservationists, and communities across continents and ecosystems have chosen to honour Dr. Jane by naming flora and fauna after her.
These animals and plants include:
Photos: APOPO / Eric Guzzetta / Save the Bilby / Madua Musa / Sarah Reingewirtz / Rogier van Vugt
The campaign was very successful – Jane Goodall Institute Tanzania even received the Gold SMANA Social Marketing Award for its involvement!
This is just another example of the difference that can be made when you work with communities on conservation initiatives.
Community members received training and are now aware of how to compost organic waste effectively, and farmers were provided with some commercially-produced compost so they could see the benefits of this work more quickly.
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Instead, farmers can use compost and replenish nutrients – and help keep forests intact!
JGI Tanzania worked with community members to encourage farmers to implement this technique through an innovative campaign – "Tunza Udongo, Tunza Familia," which means "Care for the Soil, Care for the Family."
What does sustainable farming look like, exactly? Let's ask the experts!
Unsustainable farming practices lead to soil depletion and infertile land, so farmers usually expand into forests – cutting down trees where the soil has nutrients. But this can't go on for too long, because the land runs out.
None of this is possible without your kindness and support, so thank you for being part of this mission. We're grateful for all of our supporters, partners, and changemakers.
With you, the Jane Goodall Institute has made so much progress over the past 49 years – let's keep moving forward together.
• Continuing the longest-running wild chimpanzee study in the world
• Providing rescued chimpanzees with individualized care
• Advancing community-led conservation projects and initiatives
• Inspiring and equipping young leaders through Roots & Shoots
Today, there are 30 Jane Goodall Institute offices around the world – including us at the Jane Goodall Institute of Canada!
Together, we uphold Dr. Jane's legacy of scientific discovery and conservation advocacy by:
It's a big day for the Jane Goodall Institute!
49 years ago today, the Institute was incorporated in the United States – committed to protecting chimpanzees and continuing the groundbreaking research that Dr. Jane started in Gombe, where she redefined our understanding of the animal kingdom.
Together, we're successfully protecting chimpanzees and the other critical species that share their habitat.
Want some hope for your inbox, too? You can sign up for our newsletter and we'll send you hopeful updates like this every month – go to JaneGoodall.ca/Newsletter to sign up.
The work the rangers do to remove these traps helps prevent hundreds of animals from enduring prolonged suffering. We are grateful – and we bet the animals are, too!
In the Republic of Congo, the JGI team works with these park rangers and provides training – in GPS data analysis, among other areas.
