On Saturday, President Joe Biden honored Jane Goodall as one of nineteen recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the United States’ highest civilian honor. This accolade recognizes individuals who have made exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values, or security of the United States, world peace, or other significant societal, public, or private endeavors.

“Dr. Jane Goodall is a world-renowned ethologist and conservationist whose research transformed our understanding of primates and human evolution. She is a passionate advocate for empowering individuals and communities to protect and preserve the natural world,” read the White House statement.

Goodall, who turns 91 this April, expressed gratitude for the recognition.

“I am deeply honored to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom,” she said in a statement issued by the Jane Goodall Institute (JGI). “This recognition reflects the hope and action of so many people who inspire and motivate me every day in the firm belief that together we can and we must save the natural world for ourselves and future generations.”

Anna Rathmann, Executive Director of the Jane Goodall Institute (JGI) USA, celebrated the honor.

“Jane’s own personal evolution from world-renowned scientist to global conservation advocate is a stunning example of each individual’s ability to make a positive impact,” she said in a statement. “We are grateful that the White House is recognizing our founder’s tireless work to inspire hope and transform it into action on behalf of our planet.”

Goodall’s journey began in 1960 at the age of 26 when she embarked on a landmark study of wild chimpanzees in Gombe, Tanzania, under the mentorship of Louis Leakey. Her observation that chimpanzees make and use tools reshaped scientific understanding of the relationship between humans and other animals. This discovery laid the foundation for her lifelong dedication to conservation and animal welfare.

Since founding JGI in 1977, Goodall has advanced a holistic approach to conservation, championing community-led efforts through JGI’s Tacare program and overseeing the longest-running study of wild chimpanzees. Additionally, the Roots & Shoots program, active in 70 countries, inspires young people to engage in hands-on projects that benefit communities, animals, and the environment.

Despite her decades-long career, Goodall remains an active global voice for environmental stewardship. Traveling approximately 300 days a year, she inspires audiences through speaking engagements, books, films, and podcasts. Her latest publication, The Book of Hope: A Survival Guide for Trying Times, has been translated into over 20 languages, echoing her message that individual actions can shape the future.

Header image: Jane Goodall in Japan in June 2023. Photo taken by Kaori Nishida