Jane Goodall Institute of Canada

Jane Goodall Institute of Canada Official account of the Jane Goodall Institute of Canada and Roots & Shoots Canada. Creating a world where animals, people, and the environment all thrive.
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The mission of the Jane Goodall Institute is to protect great ape populations through community-centred conservation and empower new generations of committed, active citizens around the world.

At the Jane Goodall Institute's Tchimpounga Sanctuary, caregivers provide exceptional, 'round-the-clock support to infan...
06/23/2026

At the Jane Goodall Institute's Tchimpounga Sanctuary, caregivers provide exceptional, 'round-the-clock support to infant chimpanzees who have endured unimaginable trauma.

These animals have been taken from the wild, separated from the ones they love, and often forced to witness unspeakable cruelty. At such young and vulnerable ages, they need near-constant contact and support to survive.

As highly-social beings, the comfort and security (and love!) that surrogate caretakers can provide isn't only healing – it's essential for the chimpanzees' emotional and physical wellbeing.

Each rescued animal follows an individualized and personalized rehabilitation plan that helps them learn what they need to know to thrive – from foraging for food to navigating chimpanzee social dynamics.

Note that the Jane Goodall Institute does not endorse the handling of, or close proximity to, wildlife. In sanctuary settings, trained professionals provide essential care and rehabilitation for animals who have been orphaned, injured, or displaced.

This expert team provides the maternal care that the infants have lost, with the ultimate goal of rehabilitating each chimpanzee and helping them live as much of a wild life as possible – one where they can thrive, exhibit natural behaviours, and enjoy the freedom they deserve.

To all of the hardworking caregivers at Tchimpounga who are helping these remarkable creatures get the second chance they deserve, thank you!

Photos: Fernando Turmo

06/22/2026

"We're in the midst of the sixth great extinction of plant and animal species – and this one is caused by human activities."

Years ago, Dr. Jane recorded this message and spoke about the sorry state of the world. Watch this video to hear more from the legend herself.

She said that current environmental issues were largely "caused by our disrespect of nature and the unsustainable way that we're plundering our planet's finite natural resources."

Yet she never lost hope. Because she had seen what was possible when people worked together with one goal. She knew what we were capable of.

"We must remember that each one of us makes an impact on the planet every day," she said. We just need to make that impact better.

Choose what kind of impact you want to make at JaneGoodall.ca/Take-Action – we have many ways you can get involved, both on your own and with your network.

Photo: Unknown Photographer
Video: Dr. Jane Goodall

Male chimpanzees are constantly portrayed as aggressive and dominating – but long-term research conducted at the Jane Go...
06/21/2026

Male chimpanzees are constantly portrayed as aggressive and dominating – but long-term research conducted at the Jane Goodall Institute's Gombe Stream Research Centre has shown that they can also form deep, caring, and loving bonds.

One study, named "Chimpanzee fathers bias their behaviour towards their offspring," has shown that chimpanzee fathers provide essential care for their own children.

For example, chimpanzee fathers provide protection, especially when kids are most vulnerable – whereas males in other species, like grizzly bears, are known to be solitary and the females care for their cubs.

These paternal efforts underscore an incredible, deep-rooted capacity for fatherly care among chimpanzees – and this research offers intriguing insights into our own evolutionary past.

As we celebrate Father's Day, we also want to honour the remarkable chimpanzee fathers who have helped with this research. Here's to each and every one of them!

Photo: Hugo van Lawick

Today marks National Indigenous Peoples Day – and people across the country are celebrating Indigenous Peoples, communit...
06/21/2026

Today marks National Indigenous Peoples Day – and people across the country are celebrating Indigenous Peoples, communities, traditions, languages, cultures, and wisdom.

We are, too – because we have seen how Indigenous leadership and knowledge are key to addressing environmental and conservation challenges. Indeed, the people living closest to endangered ecosystems are not just partners in conservation. They are the solution.

For years now, we have been working with Indigenous partners to advance community-led and youth-led conservation projects that benefit animals, people, and the environment – including the precious ecosystems that we all rely on.

As an organization, we have also worked to make meaningful progress on reconciliation and decolonization. We know we have more work to do, and we are committed to learning and evolving.

One of our partners, The Outdoor Learning School and Store, has put together some Indigenous learning resources that are accessible to everyone – adults, teachers, students, and younger children. They have been recommended by Indigenous advisors and partners, and developed by Indigenous authors, educators, and organizations: https://outdoorlearning.com/indigenous-learning/

Our own Canada Programs team has also developed this list – made up of thoughtful ways you can mark National Indigenous Peoples Day in your very own community. Whatever you plan to do and however you get involved, let us all recommit to creating a world where everyone is respected, is celebrated, and can thrive.

Photo: Crissy Armstrong

Fun fact for you: Wilkie, seen here with Dr. Jane, holds one of Gombe's records. Born in 1972, Wilkie has been an import...
06/20/2026

Fun fact for you: Wilkie, seen here with Dr. Jane, holds one of Gombe's records. Born in 1972, Wilkie has been an important – and central – figure in the research that Dr. Jane conducted at Gombe Stream National Park.

Dr. Jane has observed his remarkable journey from infancy to fathering more than 10 offspring – giving him the record for the most known offspring at Gombe.

Wilkie passed away in 2013, but his legacy is carried forward by his children. His life and contributions continue to provide valuable insights into the social dynamics of chimpanzees and the profound connections that we, as humans, share with them.

Photo: Michael Neugebauer

Note: The Jane Goodall Institute of Canada does not endorse the handling of, or close proximity to, wildlife. This represents a historical context.

06/19/2026

Did you know that male chimpanzees are dutiful fathers? One of our favourite examples from the Gombe Stream Research Centre is Beethoven – and the story of him and his daughter, Dilly.

In the early 1990s, the Jane Goodall Institute team observed that when an infant chimpanzee named Dilly lost her mom, Beethoven took on the sole parenting responsibilities – carrying her, sharing food, sleeping beside her, and protecting her.

In this archival footage, you can see Dilly grooming Beethoven. The capacity that chimpanzees have for care, empathy, and connection runs deep.

Jane Goodall Institute researchers continue to observe chimpanzees at Gombe, which is where Dr. Jane made her landmark observations and transformed science forever.

Documenting socially complex individuals – including the two chimpanzees seen here – shows us that the more we learn, the more we can understand just how similar chimpanzees and humans are.

Photo: Jane Goodall Institute
Video: Bill Wallauer

Have you seen this recently-discovered chameleon species? Introducing "Nadzikabia goodallae" – named for the one and onl...
06/18/2026

Have you seen this recently-discovered chameleon species? Introducing "Nadzikabia goodallae" – named for the one and only Dr. Jane!

Scientists observed this animal in the sky island forests of Mozambique, which are isolated granite mountains that are home to many unique species.

These chameleons are even more difficult to spot than most – not only can they camouflage themselves, but they also like to perch high up in the trees.

Sadly, this chameleon faces pressures from loss of rainforest habitat. The species was named for Dr. Jane as an homage to her own work to conserve forests for wildlife.

To the research team that successfully catalogued Nadzikabia goodallae, led by herpetologists Krystal Tolley and Werner Conradie, congratulations!

Nope! Monkeys and chimpanzees are not the same.Thought they were? Common mistake. People often assume chimpanzees are mo...
06/17/2026

Nope! Monkeys and chimpanzees are not the same.

Thought they were? Common mistake. People often assume chimpanzees are monkeys, but chimpanzees are actually great apes.

Chimpanzees, bonobos, orangutans, gorillas, and humans (yes, humans!) are all great apes. And yes, both monkeys and great apes are primates – but they have many differences.

Want to know an easy way you can spot the difference between monkeys and great apes? Their tails! Monkeys have tails, while great apes don't.

Dr. Jane often spoke about how the animal that went around the world with her was not a chimpanzee, like most assumed, but was instead a monkey. Then, she'd show people – like her grandson, seen here – his tail.

Want to learn more about chimpanzees and other great apes? Go to JaneGoodall.ca/Chimpanzees and see what more you can learn about our closest animal relatives.

Photo: LJ Garcia

06/16/2026

"You know, I couldn't do this alone. No way could I do this alone."

The work that Dr. Jane did, and the work that the Jane Goodall Institute does, isn't possible without our partners. None of this can be done without you.

From the dedicated caregivers at Tchimpounga Sanctuary, to engaged community members in countries across Africa, to involved young leaders across Canada, to generous supporters like all of you, the Institute – as Dr. Jane said here, when she came to Calgary last year – attracts some of the most amazing people.

We're grateful for everyone who has gotten involved – and who has chosen to join us on this journey as we advance Dr. Jane's mission.

To learn more about the work that we do with partners in Canada and Africa, and to see the progress that your generosity has supported, read our latest annual report at JaneGoodall.ca/2425.

Photo: Brittany Gawley
Video: Werklund Centre

Introducing some of the endangered species who are now getting the care they need – and the second chance they deserve –...
06/15/2026

Introducing some of the endangered species who are now getting the care they need – and the second chance they deserve – at the Jane Goodall Institute's Tchimpounga Sanctuary.

Although the sanctuary was founded to provide rescued chimpanzees with care, the scope has grown and the team can now care for nearly any Central and West African species.

This includes African Grey Parrots, which are among the most-trafficked animals worldwide. By working together with communities and law enforcement, the Jane Goodall Institute has rescued, rehabilitated, and released more than 115 African Grey Parrots back into the wild.

Pangolins are widely considered to be the most-trafficked animal, but our team is determined to put an end to this barbaric practice – canines at Tchimpounga have been trained to detect the scent of pangolin scales, stopping wildlife trafficking in real time.

And although there are more than 150 chimpanzees at Tchimpounga, they are not the only great apes there! The team coordinated with governments and conservation organizations to rescue ZZ, an infant gorilla. ZZ was able to get the care she needed, and she is now thriving.

Together, with your support, we're upholding what Dr. Jane always said – that every species matters, and that every species has an important role to play.

Photos: Fernando Turmo

Note: The Jane Goodall Institute of Canada does not endorse the handling of, or close proximity to, wildlife. This represents a sanctuary context with trained professionals.

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Toronto, ON

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Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

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