July 14, 2026

This World Chimpanzee Day, let’s carry Dr. Jane’s work forward

Photo: Hugo van Lawick / National Geographic

Happy World Chimpanzee Day!

What started with one woman has turned into an annual celebration that takes place around the world. This year, that woman — Dr. Jane Goodall — won’t be here to take part in the big day.

But that can’t stop us from carrying her work forward.

When she stepped foot into Gombe and started her research, Jane could never have known how she would change the world. How she would alter our understanding of the relationship between chimpanzees and humans. How she would redefine “man.” How she would inspire millions to do the same kind of important, scientific work she did.

But with time, she did that and more. Much more.

And yet this day isn’t just about the past. As we celebrate the remarkable animals that Dr. Jane researched and advocated for, we’re also working hard to protect them. To rescue them when needed. And to make sure they can get the care they need.

This work is urgent — and needed now more than ever — because chimpanzees are endangered. While there were once more than 1,000,000 chimpanzees out in the wild, less than 300,000 are estimated to exist today. They face intense threats from humans — including illegal trafficking, habitat destruction, deforestation, encroachment, climate change impacts, and more.

This isn’t acceptable. This isn’t sustainable.

Day in and day out, the Jane Goodall Institute is working to address these impacts and care for the remaining chimpanzee populations. This includes rescuing injured and orphaned chimpanzees across Africa, and helping them get the care they need at Tchimpounga Sanctuary. To make sure this work can continue at the sanctuary, we need to raise $25,000 by the end of the day today. We’ve made some progress towards that goal, but we need your help.

Go to our World Chimpanzee Day page to see how you can chip in — and to read how your gift is used. Together, let’s keep Dr. Jane’s work alive — and let’s give these great apes the second chance they deserve.