Lasting Legacy of Jane Goodall: A Look at the Influence on History

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: October 2, 2025

A closer look at the lasting mark left by Jane Goodall—a timeline of influence.

Jane Goodall is a renowned English primatologist, zoologist, and anthropologist, considered the world's leading expert on chimpanzees. Beginning her research in 1960 at Gombe Stream National Park in Tanzania, she has dedicated over 60 years to studying the social and family lives of wild chimpanzees. Her groundbreaking work revolutionized our understanding of these primates, demonstrating their complex behaviors and intelligence. Goodall is also a dedicated conservationist and advocate for animal welfare, working to protect chimpanzees and their habitats through the Jane Goodall Institute and her Roots & Shoots program.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Legacy & Impact

1977: Establishment of Jane Goodall Institute

In 1977, Jane Goodall established the Jane Goodall Institute (JGI) to support Gombe research and protect chimpanzees and their habitats.

1990: Stevie Nicks wrote "Jane"

In 1990, Stevie Nicks wrote the song "Jane" celebrating Jane Goodall's life and work.

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1991: Roots & Shoots programme begins

In 1991, the Roots & Shoots programme began when a group of teenagers met with Jane Goodall in Dar es Salaam to discuss environmental problems.

1993: Goodall's decision to name animals

In 1993, Jane Goodall wrote about her decision to name the chimpanzees she studied instead of assigning numbers, defying the convention of avoiding emotional attachment.

1994: "Jane" released on 'Street Angel'

In 1994, Stevie Nicks's song "Jane", which celebrates Jane Goodall's life and work, was released as the last track on Nicks's album 'Street Angel'.

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2001: Parodied in The Simpsons

In 2001, Jane Goodall was parodied in The Simpsons episode "Simpson Safari", where Dr. Joan Bushwell was written as an indirect parody of her.

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April 2002: Named United Nations Messenger of Peace

In April 2002, Jane Goodall was named a United Nations Messenger of Peace, recognizing her contributions to conservation and animal welfare.

June 2006: Open University of Tanzania awards honorary degree

On 19 June 2006, the Open University of Tanzania awarded Jane Goodall an honorary Doctor of Science degree, recognizing her contributions to science and conservation.

2009: Goodall writes about farm animal intelligence

In 2009, Jane Goodall wrote in "The Inner World of Farm Animals" about the awareness and intelligence of farm animals, advocating for their respect and help.

The Inner World of Farm Animals: Their Amazing Social, Emotional, and Intellectual Capacities

Check it on Amazon

2010: Roots & Shoots reaches over 100 countries

By 2010, the Roots & Shoots organisation had expanded to over 10,000 groups in over 100 countries.

March 2011: Archives moved to Duke University

On 17 March 2011, it was announced that the Jane Goodall archives would be moved to Duke University from the University of Minnesota, with Anne E. Pusey overseeing the collection.

2015: USFWS classifies all chimpanzees as endangered

In 2015, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) announced that all chimpanzees would be classified as endangered, accepting the petition supported by Jane Goodall.

November 2017: Interview with The Hollywood Reporter on feeding stations

In November 2017, Jane Goodall acknowledged in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, regarding the controversy around the feeding stations at Gombe, that she wouldn't continue with them in present time due to the current knowledge about chimpanzees contracting human diseases, of which they were unaware in the past.

2017: Goodall becomes Disneynature ambassador

As of 2017, Jane Goodall was an ambassador for Disneynature, continuing her advocacy for environmental causes.

2018: Partnered with Schmidt's Naturals

In 2018, Jane Goodall partnered with Michael Cammarata on natural product lines from Schmidt's Naturals to benefit the Jane Goodall Institute.

August 2019: Honoured with a bronze sculpture

In August 2019, Jane Goodall was honored with a bronze sculpture in Midtown Manhattan for her contributions to science. She was featured alongside nine other women as part of the Statues for Equality project.

2019: Primatology field nearly evenly split between men and women

By 2019, the field of primatology consisted of almost evenly men and women. This development is thanks to Jane Goodall's trailblazing work and encouragement of young women to join the field.

2019: Voiced herself on "Gorillas on the Mast"

In 2019, Jane Goodall voiced herself on The Simpsons episode "Gorillas on the Mast".

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2019: Named one of Time's 100 most influential people

In 2019, Time magazine named Jane Goodall as one of the 100 most influential people in the world.

2020: Advocated for Ecocide to be made an International Crime

In 2020, Jane Goodall advocated for ecocide, defined as the mass damage or destruction of nature, to be recognized as an international crime. Additionally, in 2020, Goodall vowed to plant 5 million trees as part of the World Economic Forum's 1 trillion tree initiative.

2020: Partnered with Neptune Wellness Solutions

In 2020, Jane Goodall partnered with Michael Cammarata on natural product lines from Neptune Wellness Solutions to benefit the Jane Goodall Institute.

2021: Goodall becomes vegan and authors a cookbook

In 2021, Jane Goodall became a vegan and authored a cookbook titled "Eat Meat Less", advocating for ethical eating habits.

#EATMEATLESS: Good for Animals, the Earth & All

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March 2022: Lego tribute to Jane Goodall

On March 3, 2022, the Lego Group issued set number 40530, A Jane Goodall Tribute, depicting a Jane Goodall minifigure and three chimpanzees in an African forest scene, in celebration of Women's History Month and International Women's Day.

2022: Mattel released Barbie-themed Goodall doll

In 2022, Mattel released a Barbie-themed Jane Goodall doll made from recycled plastic, dressed in field attire with binoculars and a notebook, in recognition of her conservation work and achievements.