Africa Programs Gombe Stream Research Centre Home to the world’s most studied group of wild chimpanzees. Jane Goodall’s journey began in Gombe. It’s where LouisLeakey famously first sent her to observe chimpanzees; where she discovered that chimpanzees use tools, revolutionizing Western science’s understanding of the animal world and our relationship to it. And it’s the setting for our origin story. Founded to advance Dr. Goodall’s revolutionary findings, the Gombe Stream Research Centre is a living laboratory, home to the world’s most studied group of wild chimpanzees. Over the years, Gombe researchers have witnessed and recorded entire lifespans of individual chimpanzees. Field staff and researchers monitor the life histories and demography of the Gombe chimpanzee and baboon populations as individuals are born, die, and migrate. Today, researchers continue to collect data on both species’ behaviours, health, and social relationships. We’ve learned a great deal about their complex social lives, personalities and intelligence. From tool use and maternal care to territoriality, hunting and meat eating, the Gombe chimpanzees have demonstrated great diversity in behaviour – and how similar they are to humans. Above all, these observations have taught us that chimpanzees must be protected. A Legacy of Discovery On July 14, 2020, Dr. Goodall and the Jane Goodall Institute marked the 60th anniversary since the day she first arrived in what is now Gombe Stream National Park, Tanzania, to begin her groundbreaking study of wild chimpanzees. Major Discoveries from Gombe Dr. Jane’s famous observation of chimpanzee tool-making was just the beginning. Chimpanzees make and use tools. In November of 1960, Jane observed that chimpanzees make and use tools. Before this, non-human animals were presumed to be mere automatons. This discovery revolutionized the field of animal behavior, presenting the idea that humans are not different in kind from other species, but rather only by degree. Chimpanzees feel compassion and experience strong maternal bonds. Thanks to Dr. Goodall’s work, we know that chimpanzees learn essential life skills from their mothers, including how to pick up on emotional cues. She witnessed chimpanzees embracing to comfort one another in mourning, and documented adoption of orphaned chimpanzees by others in the community. Challenging the notion that non-human animals lack emotions, she witnessed compassion and altruism, not unlike our own. Chimpanzees can engage in a kind of “warfare”. Dr. Goodall discovered that chimpanzees can engage in a type of ‘war’ against rival groups. From 1974 to 1978, a unified group of Kasakela chimpanzees began splintering into two communities and engaging in ‘warfare’. Jane found that they are as complex as we and with a dark side, which exists alongside their compassion and kindness. Famous Chimps of Gombe David Greybeard Dr. Goodall’s favourite chimpanzee, after all of these years, is still David Greybeard, the very first individual at Gombe to have trusted Jane. David Greybeard, easily recognizable by his silver facial hair, was also the first chimp Jane saw using tools and the first she observed eating meat. David was a good friend not only to Dr. Goodall, but also to his companion Goliath. David often comforted Goliath by placing a hand on his head or body, particularly when Jane was observing the two chimps. He was very tolerant and kind, maintaining a gentle temperament even while others grew aggressive. David, in addition to all that he taught Dr. Goodall about primate behaviour, also helped her by bringing other chimps with him when he visited her camp. Without David’s helpful introductions, Jane may not have been able to meet the other Gombe chimps. Jane believes that David Greybeard died during a pneumonia epidemic in 1968. Time Magazine named David one of the 15 most influential animals that ever lived. Flo (approx. 1929-1972) Flo was the dominant matriarch when Jane arrived in Gombe. First appearing in Jane’s camp in 1962, Flo was always accompanied by her daughter Fifi and son Figan. In addition to these two offspring, Flo also had an older son named Faben and eventually gave birth to two more: Flint and Flame. Flo was a strong and easygoing mother, always giving her children food when they seemed to want it and tenderly grooming them. Though physically she appeared somewhat frail, Jane writes that Flo was “tough as nails.” Easily recognizable by the notch in her right ear, Flo and her progeny gave Jane access and insight into the intricacies of chimpanzee family life. When Flo and her youngest son Flint died crossing a stream in 1972, Britain’s Sunday Times published an obituary for her. Jane says she cried when she heard the news. Figan (approx. 1954-1982) Figan, Flo’s son, became alpha male after he usurped his older brother Faben’s dominant position in the social hierarchy. Though the two initially became distant following this takeover, the brothers eventually became close again. Figan, still a juvenile when Dr. Goodall first observed him, eventually grew to be a strong and strategic leader. Early in Figan’s life he showed signs of weakness, rushing to others for reassurance when tensions rose and revealing an overall lack of self-confidence. His ability to manipulate and deliberately fool others, however, became a clear advantage during his rise to power. Dr. Goodall observed Figan on more than one occasion leading others away from a food source, only to return on his own and claim the food for himself. Though Figan’s control over other males occasionally faltered, he managed to repeatedly regain authority with the help of various allies and family members. Fifi (1958-2004) Fifi, Flo’s only daughter, eventually became a dominant matriarch herself. Over the years Fifi gave birth to nine offspring: Freud, Frodo, Fanni, Flossi, Faustino, Ferdinand, Freud, Flirt and Furaha. When Jane first arrived at Gombe, Fifi was only two years old and often rode around on her mother’s back. As a young chimpanzee, Fifi was curious and vivacious. As she got older, however, she did not have many friends and rarely sought out the company of others. In fact, Fifi’s only reliable friend was her mother Flo. When she was ten, Fifi was one of the only female chimps to excel at throwing, though her aim was poor. Fifi disappeared in 2004 and was soon presumed dead. She was the last surviving chimpanzee at Gombe from Dr. Goodall’s early days. Freud (1971-2014) Freud, Fifi’s eldest son, became alpha male in the summer of 1993 after defeating Wilkie. He was 22 at the time. This title, however, did not last long — in 1997, after contracting mange, Freud was defeated by his brother Frodo. Freud rose to power with the help of not only his mother Fifi but also his uncle Figan. Despite his influential family, Freud was not the obvious candidate for this position due to his calm demeanour and average size. Freud remained relatively peaceful during his time as alpha male and was a kind and gentle role-model. Once deposed by his aggressive brother, Freud left the community for a couple months. His return was surprisingly peaceful, and not once did he try to reclaim power. Though Freud, old and tired, lived out the rest of his years with his family, he maintained somewhat of a distance from the rest of the community. In the years before Freud’s death, he was the oldest male at Gombe. He died in 2014 at the age of 43, one of the first wild chimps to have had his entire life recorded by researchers. Frodo (1976-2013) Frodo, unlike his brother Freud, was a violent and unpopular bully. As the largest and heaviest chimp at Gombe, Frodo was able to overthrow his brother in 1997 using sheer force. Dr. Goodall, in an interview with National Geographic, stated that “very often, if two were playing, if they saw Frodo come along, they stopped playing. Because they knew as soon as he joined in, he’d hurt one of them.” Frodo became famous after he attacked Gary Larson during the cartoonist’s trip to Gombe in 1988. Frodo fell from power in 2002 after growing sick and eventually died in 2013. Goblin (1964-2004) Goblin, the son of Melissa, was known for his persistence and stubborn nature. At birth, his face appeared almost to twist like a hobgoblin, a feature that led to his comical name. Dr. Goodall was present for Goblin’s birth, and discusses it in a chapter of “In the Shadow of Man.” In 1982, Goblin became the youngest male to reign as alpha male, a position which he maintained until 1990. Motivated from an early age, Goblin used to wake up early to push other chimpanzees out of their nests. After his fall from power, Goblin formed alliances with his future successors — first Freud and then Frodo. Goblin fathered at least two of Fifi’s children. In 2004, the same year that Fifi disappeared, Goblin grew very sick and died. Gremlin (1970-Present) Dr. Goodall loves Gremlin. Born in 1970 to Melissa, Gremlin is the most successful mother at Gombe and continues to serve as a major matriarchal figure in her community. Gremlin has five surviving children. The most famous of these offspring are her twins, Golden and Glitter. Gremlin has shown an affinity for mothering since she was ten years old, demonstrating maternal instincts as she helped Melissa care for her younger brother, Gimble. Gremlin, in more recent years has demonstrated an interesting desire to “adopt” her grandchildren. She has now demonstrated this desire twice, commandeering her daughter Gaia’s infant, Godot, as well as her daughter Glitter’s newborn, Gossamer. Unfortunately, neither of these two babies survived. Gremlin is a sweet, warm, and kind-hearted chimp. Golden and Glitter (1998-Present) In 1998, to the great excitement of Dr. Goodall and the researchers at Gombe, the twins Golden and Glitter were born! Twins are rare, and Golden and Glitter remain one out of only three sets to be born at Gombe. Often times, twins do not survive past infancy. This is due to attacks from other chimps, insufficient care from the mother and a variety of other factors. Golden and Glitter were very lucky. Gaia, Gremlin’s older daughter, helped care for the twins during their early years. During this time, Golden preferred to stay close to Gremlin so Gaia helped out more with Glitter. Though both of the twins are female, each has a distinct personality. Golden is brave, social, and willing to explore. Glitter is more inventive, careful, and shy. In 2004, when they were six, the two separated from their mother to seek independence away from home. During this excursion, they demonstrated not only their sisterly bond but also their reliance on one another for comfort and care. It will be exciting watching them grow in the next few years! Sparrow (Approx. 1957-Present) At approximately 63 years old, Sparrow is currently the oldest chimpanzee at Gombe. She is a strong, old chimp, who has successfully raised many offspring. While one of her sons went on to briefly become alpha male, another one of her sons, Sinbad, still travels with her despite his mature age. Sparrow immigrated to the Kasekela study community in 1971, and though she is the undisputed matriarch of the “S Family,” she is somewhat of a loner and keeps to herself. Though getting on in years, Sparrow’s wise and honest eyes still reveal the fortitude of her spirit. Save Chimpanzees and Other Animals Support Jane’s Legacy Discover Ways To Give Related Content News & Stories A Brief History of Chimpanzee Conservation Since the first European discovery of chimpanzees, our fascination of these animals has remained central to many religious and evolutionary debates. Chimpanzees have long existed as scientific curiosities and have been viewed as “lesser” reflections of humankind, leading to their use in many experiments and studies over the 20th Century – the term “chimpanzee” actually originates from the local Angolan term for “mock man”. Read more Africa Programs Chimpanzee and Human Wellness Our Delivering Healthy Futures program protected chimpanzee health by protecting maternal and newborn health along a key wildlife corridor. In the words of Marie, our Africa Programs Manager: “Improving the quality of life for people in the chimp range just makes sense because their health has an impact on their overall ability to contribute to the conservation of their land.” Learn More Campaigns Forever Wild Illegal wildlife trafficking is a profound threat to chimpanzees around the world. It also puts humans at risk by increasing disease transmission. A major contributor to illegal wildlife trafficking? Social media. This campaign raises awareness around mindful social media use to help keep animals #ForeverWild. Forever Wild