June 28, 2026

“The crucial connection between human health, wildlife, and the environment:” A note on the Ebola epidemic

Photo: Bill Wallauer

Dr. Jane understood that our health, the health of animals, and the health of our environment is intertwined.

This means that studying wild chimpanzees — as we continue to do at the Gombe Stream Research Centre — helps us learn more about our own humanity, too.

This research can even help us understand zoonotic diseases, including Ebola — which threatens human health and the health of our closest animal relatives, chimpanzees and gorillas. The disease has the capacity to decimate populations of these great apes.

At this time, Ebola cases have been reported in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda — and our teams there are focused on ensuring people and wildlife can thrive together. While they are used to working in challenging conditions, this outbreak adds another complex layer to their work.

“The Ebola epidemic highlights the crucial connection between human health, wildlife, and the environment,” said Emola Pippen-Hashim Makambo, the Executive Director of the Jane Goodall Institute in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

“Despite the challenges posed by this crisis, the Jane Goodall Institute and Ushiriki partners remain dedicated to promoting an approach that safeguards vulnerable communities while ensuring the survival of endangered chimpanzees and gorillas.”