When I heard the news about Jane Goodall’s passing, I sat in my car and cried for about 30 minutes. I'm a lifelong animal lover, and since I was a child, she has been one of my greatest heroes. Goodall was a remarkable woman who became a voice for the voiceless and a model of compassion, courage, and hope. She combined her passion with purpose: she cared deeply for animals and committed to doing something lasting to protect them.
With her gentle voice and patient presence, she gave the world a new way of seeing animals. She showed that they are not mindless creatures, but individuals with personalities, relationships, and emotions. Her research with chimpanzees revealed tool use, playfulness, and social bonds, overturning old assumptions about human uniqueness and reshaping how we think about our place in the natural world.
Her Books and Documentaries
Jane Goodall left behind a body of work that continues to inspire readers and viewers:
In the Shadow of Man Goodall's groundbreaking account of her first years in Gombe, still a classic today.
Reason for Hope A moving reflection on faith, science, and resilience in the face of challenges.
The Book of Hope Written later in her life, this book reminds us that optimism is itself an act of courage
My Life With the Chimpanzees A wonderful introduction for young readers, showing how her childhood dreams grew into world-changing work.
On screen
Jane This beautiful documentary features breathtaking archival footage of her early research
Jane Goodall Follow Jane's activism and global conservation work in later years.
Inspired by Her Legacy
Goodall’s influence radiated far beyond chimpanzees. She sparked a global conservation movement and inspired countless other scientists, writers, and filmmakers. If her story resonates with you, you should also explore:
Becoming Wild by Carl Safina: Is culture strictly in the domain of humanity, or can animals have culture, too?
The Soul of an Octopus by Sy Mongtomery: Learn about the complexity of octopuses and the ways they can connect with humans.
Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer: Weaves together ecology, culture, and gratitude.
Environmental Stewardship
My admiration for Goodall also connects deeply to my own background. I studied palaeobiology, the science of ancient life and ecosystems. In that field, one is constantly reminded that extinction is not just a possibility; it's a reality that has shaped Earth’s history. Thinking about evolution is second nature for me, as is the awareness of how fragile life can be.
Humans are stewards of this planet, capable of helping prevent needless loss. Yet anthropogenic climate change and habitat destruction remain growing threats. Jane Goodall never ignored those realities, but she also refused to give in to despair. Through her tireless advocacy and her Roots & Shoots program for young people, she showed us that hope and action can change the future.
Hope for Animals and Their World details how we have managed to help species on the brink of extinction.
Her 2025 Earth Day message shares what we can do as individuals and collectively to help the planet. She urges us not to despair and give in to nihilism, because we can still make beneficial impacts on the Earth.
Carrying the Torch
Though she is no longer with us, Jane Goodall’s voice and vision continue through her books, her foundation, and the countless people she inspired. For me, she will always be a reminder that compassion and curiosity can change the world for the better.
Jane Goodall taught us that every creature matters, every action matters, and that hope is worth holding on to. I will continue to mourn her loss, and I acknowledge that the challenge is daunting. However, I will try to live out the values she embodied: to love the living world, be persistent in my efforts to protect what I can of it, and to never, ever, ever lose hope.
How HCPL Programs Are Working to Help Our Communities and Planet
Jane Goodall often reminded us that “every individual matters, every individual has a role to play, every individual makes a difference.” At Harris County Public Library, we take that message to heart. Many of our programs not only build stronger communities but also encourage stewardship of the Earth we share.
Repair Cafés
At Repair Cafés, neighbors come together to fix household items instead of throwing them away. By extending the life of everyday tools, clothing, or electronics, we reduce waste and share valuable skills. These gatherings foster community connection while helping us tread a little more lightly on the planet.
Seed Libraries
Our seed libraries allow patrons to “check out” seeds, plant them at home, and return seeds from their harvest to share with others. It’s a simple, powerful way to encourage biodiversity, save money, and keep traditional gardening knowledge alive. Each packet of seeds represents the possibility of new growth — in our gardens and in our communities.
Gardening Programs and Clubs
HCPL branches also host gardening workshops, clubs, and demonstration projects. Whether you’re learning to grow vegetables in containers, starting a pollinator-friendly bed, or simply connecting with other plant enthusiasts, these programs nurture both green spaces and human connection. They remind us, as Jane Goodall did, that healing the planet often begins in our own backyards.
Heritage Diet Programs
Through our partnership with Oldways, HCPL offers programs that celebrate traditional heritage diets from around the world. These classes highlight the flavors, health benefits, and cultural stories behind different food traditions. By focusing on plant-forward, sustainable ingredients and time-honored cooking practices, participants not only discover delicious new recipes but also learn how what we eat can support both personal well-being and the health of the planet.
Together, these efforts reflect the same values Jane Goodall championed: care, curiosity, and responsibility for the world around us. By participating, we not only enrich our own lives but also carry forward her legacy of hope and action.
Search for things like "sustainability" or "plants" in our events to find programs like these near you!
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