Miss Goodall and the Wild Chimpanzees

"If you really want something, and really work hard, and take advantage of opportunities, and never give up, you will find a way," expresses Jane Goodall, a renowned English primatologist. As a young child, Miss Goodall had a love for chimpanzees. She knew one day she would want to live in Africa and study them. With the meeting of Kenyan anthropologist Louis Leakey, Goodall received the opportunity of her life. Sent by Leakey, Goodall was the first to study chimpanzees in the wild. She made discoveries that were significant to scientists worldwide. Like with all anthropological studies, these discoveries do not come without challenges. The rewards of anthropological research outweigh the physical, mental, and social challenges that occur in the field.

Anthropologists undergo numerous physical challenges. Typical physical challenges include new food, different climate, and adjusting to hygiene conditions. Throughout her days in Tanzania, Goodall spent hours upon hours climbing hills and venturing through unexplored forests in search of the wild chimpanzees. Although Goodall hired a cook, she often spent long hours away from camp causing her to miss meals. Jane coped with the physical strain and lack of nutrition of her everyday work. As you can imagine, the physical strain and lack of nutrition experienced by anthropologists make it difficult for them to fully engage themselves in their work. Goodall overcame these physical obstacles out of her determination to learn about the wild chimpanzees.

Anthropological studies encompass mental challenges as well as physical challenges. Typical mental challenges include culture shock, loneliness, and the feeling of being an outsider. After months upon months of searching, Jane discovers the wild chimpanzees. At first, when she approached the wild chimpanzees, they would flee. It was at that moment, Jane decided to keep her distance and slowly allow the chimps to become accustomed to her presence. After many months of keeping her distance, Jane decides to approach the chimps again. Like before, they would scatter and flee when she approached. It was discouraging for Jane. She felt as if they would never let her approach them. Feelings of discouragement, among others, are a common mental struggle for anthropologists. Despite the discouragement, Jane went forth in her research more strong-minded than ever to reach new insights about the chimps.

In addition to mental challenges, anthropologists experience social strains and pains. Typical social challenges include being accepted into the community in which the anthropologist is studying and developing friendships and other meaningful social relations. Jane, for example, works for months, even years, to become accepted by the chimpanzees. After gradually decreasing the distance in which she observes the chimpanzees, Jane finds an area she knows the chimps will come to and creates a blind. She hides behind the blind awaiting the arrival of the chimps. And, as she expects, the chimps return to that very spot, noticing an unusual presence, Jane, who they simply ignore. Eventually, Jane was able to remove the blind. At last, she had been accepted by the chimps. The success of anthropological research depends upon being accepted by the culture being studied. In her studies, Jane worked long hours to overcome social challenges that encompass the field of anthropology.

Despite hardships in the field, anthropologists can experience personal, professional, and social rewards from their research. Through her studies, Jane was able to gain new insights about life. Jane explains, "Chimpanzees have given me so much. The long hours spent with them in the forest have enriched my life beyond measure. What I have learned from them has shaped my understanding of human behavior, of our place in nature." Also, in Miss Goodall and the Wild Chimpanzees, Jane notes," In understanding the chimpanzees, people can understand themselves." In her studies, Jane has made remarkable findings that have led her to receive renowned status in the anthropological world as well as many awards for her work. Perhaps, one of the most influential pieces of data Jane uncovered was that chimpanzees create and use tools. At the time, humans were the only species thought to make tools. She understood that this new information would mean people would have to redefine what was human, redefine what was considered a tool, or accept chimpanzees as humans. As far as social rewards, Jane was accepted by the chimps and became very attached to her relationship with these animals. Anthropologists can attain numerous rewards for their work in the field.

Miss Goodall's endeavors with the chimpanzees in Tanzania exemplify both the difficulties and the rewards that occur with fieldwork. More importantly, her work illustrates the concept of "hard work pays off" as the benefits of the work tend to outweigh the challenges. Goodall was able to overcome obstacles to make huge milestones in the field of anthropology that influenced scientists everywhere. Early on, she discovered her passion, and with determination, she found her way. She wanted it. She worked hard for it. She took advantage of opportunities. She never gave up. And, she found a way.

Sources:
David L. Wolper Miss Goodall and the Wild Chimpanzees