For more than six decades, Jane Goodall dedicated her life to understanding the language, bonds, and emotions of chimpanzees. Her scientific work not only transformed primatology but also the way humanity perceives animals and the natural environment.

Born in London in 1934, Goodall passed away on October 1st in California at the age of 91, leaving an indelible mark on science and environmental activism. Her name became associated with patience, empathy, and meticulous observation of a species that, until then, was seen from a distance.

Her time at the Gombe Stream National Park in Tanzania was the turning point. There, she discovered that chimpanzees made tools, a finding that forced a redefinition of what it meant to be human within science. Her method, based on coexistence and respect, opened a new era in the study of animal behavior.

Jane Goodall’s legacy transcended the boundaries of research. She founded the Institute bearing her name, promoted conservation programs, and became a global voice for the defense of the planet. Her story was also captured in documentary films, which accompanied her scientific and human evolution.

The audiovisual legacy of a life dedicated to nature

Documentary cinema became a window into Goodall’s life. From her early observations in Africa to her environmental leadership, various productions reconstructed the story of a woman who forever changed the relationship between science and compassion.

1. Jane (2017) Produced by National Geographic, this work rescues more than a hundred hours of unseen footage filmed in the seventies. The images, recorded by Hugo van Lawick, show her early years in Gombe and reflect the emotion, loneliness, and passion of her beginnings. Available on Disney+.
2. Miss Goodall and the Chimpanzees (1965) Considered the first audiovisual record of her work, this television documentary allowed the public to see how she observed primates in their natural habitat. The film revealed a novel methodology, where science was united with empathy. Available on YouTube.
3. Chimpanzee (2012) Although not centered on Goodall, this Disneynature production reflects her influence. The story of an orphaned chimpanzee highlights the emotional bonds and social complexity she had documented for decades. Available on Disney+.
4. Jane’s Journey (2010) This German documentary shows her most human side and her transformation into an environmental activist. Through her journey across different countries, it reveals how her commitment became a global call to action. Available on Netflix.
5. The Hope (2020) Also from National Geographic, it focuses on her work with young activists. It presents an inspiring Goodall who drives change in the face of the climate crisis, extending her legacy beyond the scientific field. Available on Disney+.
6. Among the Wild Chimpanzees (1984) This production delves into her findings and her decision to name the chimpanzees, breaking with scientific tradition. It reflects her conviction that each animal individual has a unique personality. Available on MUBI.
7. Jane Goodall: The Alternative View (2002) Centered on her most critical reflections, it addresses the ethical and environmental dilemmas of the 21st century. It shows her perspective on global conservation and her challenge to established paradigms. Available on Disney+.

The life and work of an environmental pioneer

Jane Goodall grew up with a deep fascination for animals, inspired by adventure books and observing her natural surroundings. At 26, she traveled to Africa without formal university studies, but with a curiosity that surpassed any academic limit.

In Tanzania, she demonstrated that chimpanzees could feel, reason, and communicate, revealing the evolutionary closeness between them and humans. Her discovery that they made tools changed the course of science and her career.

Over time, her perspective transcended the forests. She founded the Jane Goodall Institute, dedicated to conservation and environmental education, and created the Roots & Shoots program, which promotes ecological leadership among young people worldwide.

Her activism led her to travel more than 300 days a year, giving lectures and advocating for the protection of ecosystems. In her discourse, hope was always a central theme: believing that humanity can still reverse the environmental damage.

Today, her figure symbolizes the union between science, empathy, and action. Jane Goodall not only transformed primatology but taught that the defense of the planet begins by recognizing the life around us as part of ourselves.