Today in 1960, Jane Goodall arrived at Gombe Stream National Park in Tanzania to begin her career-defining study of chimpanzees. Over the years she spent observing the chimps, she noticed many similarities between them and humans that had previously been unheard of or ignored. These included a rudimentary understanding of tool-making, affection and community (hugging, kissing, tickling), and a four-year-long war between two rival tribes that were previously united. Goodall herself was even accepted into one of the troops for almost two years before being forced out by a new alpha male. Goodall is now considered the world’s foremost expert on chimpanzees.

 

Image Credit: The Jane Goodall Institute Australia