**Jane Goodall's Pioneering Research on Chimpanzees** On November 6, 1960, Jane Goodall made a groundbreaking discovery in Tanzania's Gombe Stream National Park. At just 26 years old, she observed a male chimpanzee named David Greybeard using a piece of grass as a tool to extract termites from their nest. This moment marked the first time anyone recorded tool use among animals, challenging the long-held belief that such behavior was unique to humans. Goodall's journey began in London, where she was born on April 3, 1934. Growing up, she developed a passion for wildlife, inspired by stories like "The Jungle Book" and "Tarzan." After working as a waitress, she saved enough money to travel to Kenya at age 23, where she met renowned paleoanthropologist Louis Leakey. Impressed by her knowledge of Africa, Leakey offered her a position as his secretary, which eventually led to her studying chimpanzees in Tanzania. Despite lacking formal training, Goodall's observations were groundbreaking. She lived in a tent in the forest, often facing challenges as the chimpanzees initially fled from her presence. With her mother accompanying her for support, Goodall gradually gained the trust of the chimps. Her diary entries from that time reflect her determination and excitement as she documented their behaviors. Goodall's discovery of tool use among chimpanzees was revolutionary. She noted in her diary, "I could see a little better the use of the piece of straw. It was held in the left hand, poked onto the ground, and then removed coated with termites." This finding prompted Leakey to famously state, "Now we must redefine man, redefine tool, or accept chimpanzees as humans!" As Goodall's research gained attention, she faced skepticism from the scientific community, which was predominantly male at the time. Articles often focused on her appearance rather than her work, with headlines emphasizing her youth and attractiveness. Goodall later reflected on these sensationalist portrayals, stating, "Some scientists discredited my observations because of this — but that did not bother me so long as I got the funding to return to Gombe and continue my work." Despite the challenges, Goodall pursued her PhD at Cambridge University, becoming one of the few admitted without an undergraduate degree. She introduced a new approach to studying animals, emphasizing their intelligence and social behaviors. Goodall's decision to name the chimpanzees instead of numbering them was met with criticism, but she remained steadfast in her belief that animals deserved to be understood as individuals. Goodall's work has had a lasting impact on the field of primatology and our understanding of animal behavior. She continued her research and advocacy for wildlife conservation throughout her life, becoming a prominent figure in environmental activism. Goodall passed away on October 1, 2025, at the age of 91, leaving behind a legacy that transformed how humanity views its relationship with the animal kingdom.