Jane Goodall

Jane Goodall was born in 1934 to a middle-class family in London, England. When she was about two years old, her mom gave her a stuffed toy chimpanzee. This toy became a favorite. Her love of animals, especially chimpanzees, began with this toy. In fact, she still has it, even as an adult. Throughout a long career, Dr. Goodall became known as the world’s foremost expert in chimpanzees.

By age 11, Jane began dreaming of traveling to Africa. She wasn’t a good student, but her dream of going to Africa helped get her through elementary and secondary school. Because she couldn’t afford to go when she first graduated, she first took on several jobs, working as a secretary, an assistant film editor, and a waitress. She earned enough money to travel to Africa by the time she was 23.