Jane Goodall Biography: Age, Net Worth, Books, Education, Movies, Spouse, Children, Parents, Siblings, Nationality

Valerie Jane Morris-Goodall, widely known as Jane Goodall, is a distinguished English primatologist and anthropologist.

Renowned for her pioneering 60-year research at Gombe Stream National Park in Tanzania, she revolutionized the understanding of chimpanzee behavior by documenting their intricate social structures and tool-making abilities, reshaping perceptions of animal intelligence and behavior.

Profile

• Full Name: Valerie Jane Morris-Goodall
• Stage Name: Jane Goodall
• Born: 3, April 1934
• Age: 90 years old
• Birthplace: Hampstead, London, United Kingdom
• Nationality: British
• Occupation: English primatologist and anthropologist
• Height: 1.65m
• Parent: Margaret Myfanwe Joseph and Mortimer Morris-Goodall
• Siblings: Judy Morris-Goodall
• Spouse: Hugo van Lawick (m. 1964–1974) and Derek Bryceson (m. 1975–1980)
• Children: Hugo Eric Louis van Lawick
• Relationship: Widowed
• Net Worth: $5 million

Early Life And Education

Valerie Jane Morris-Goodall was born on April 3, 1934, in Hampstead, London, United Kingdom. She was raised by her parents, Margaret Myfanwe Joseph and Mortimer Morris-Goodall, alongside her younger sister, Judy Morris-Goodall, who shares the same birthday.

Goodall attended Uplands School in Poole before pursuing her studies in primate behavior in London under esteemed experts such as Osman Hill. Of English ethnicity, she identifies as a Christian and has remained deeply connected to her faith throughout her life.

Career

Jane Goodall’s remarkable career began in 1957 when she traveled to Kenya and met Dr. Louis Leakey, a renowned anthropologist who recognized her enthusiasm for wildlife. Inspired by her passion, Leakey invited Goodall to study chimpanzees in Gombe Stream National Park, Tanzania.

In 1960, at the age of 26, she established a research camp in Gombe, where her groundbreaking observations of chimpanzee behavior—including their tool use and intricate social structures—redefined the understanding of animal intelligence and behavior.

In 1965, Goodall earned her Ph.D. from the University of Cambridge, an exceptional achievement as she did so without holding a bachelor’s degree. Her pioneering work at Gombe contributed to significant advancements in the study of primates and offered valuable insights into human evolution.

To further her mission of conservation and education, she founded the Jane Goodall Institute in 1977, which continues to lead global initiatives in wildlife preservation and environmental sustainability.

Beyond her research, Goodall has authored numerous influential books and articles, advocating for environmental stewardship and animal welfare. She also launched Roots & Shoots, a global program empowering young people to take action in their communities for a better future.

Honored with numerous accolades, including being named a UN Messenger of Peace, Goodall’s legacy continues to inspire efforts to protect the natural world.

Social Media

• Instagram handle: @janegoodallinst
• Facebook handle: Jane Goodall
• Twitter handle: @JaneGoodallInst

Personal Life

Jane Goodall has been married twice. She first married Baron Hugo van Lawick, a Dutch wildlife photographer, on March 28, 1964. The couple had one son, Hugo Eric Louis van Lawick, before parting ways in 1974. In 1975, Goodall wed Derek Bryceson, a Tanzanian politician and director of national parks.

Their marriage lasted until Bryceson passing from cancer in 1980. They did not have children together. Since then, Goodall has chosen to remain single, dedicating her life to her research and advocacy efforts.

Net Worth

Jane Goodall’s net worth is estimated at approximately $5 million, reflecting her remarkable career as a primatologist, anthropologist, author, and conservationist.

Her primary sources of income include substantial fees from her public speaking engagements and royalties from her wide range of published works.