Africa Programs
Primate Research
Wild Chimpanzees
The Jane Goodall Institute's scientific team continuously adds to our knowledge about chimpanzees. Chimpanzee research at Gombe National Park in Tanzania, founded by Jane Goodall in 1960, helps us understand our closest relatives, chimpanzees, and ultimately ourselves. Recent findings through fecal analysis have enlightened us about disease transmission and HIV origins, while behaviour research focuses on aggression and territoriality, chimpanzee culture, and more.
For a complete overview of activities at the Gombe Stream Research Centre.
Captive Chimpanzees
Founded in 1984, ChimpanZoo is the Jane Goodall Institute's international research program dedicated to the study of captive chimpanzees and to the improvement of their lives through research, education and enrichment. Currently, 20 zoos and sanctuaries around the world participate in the program. Member zoos contribute to the world's largest database related to captive chimpanzee health and behaviour.
Through conferences organised by ChimpanZoo, scientists and Great Ape caregivers can share their knowledge and research about morality, empathy, reconciliation, and politics as primate social tools. ChimpanZoo has also developed educational material to educate children and youth about these highly intelligent creatures with whom we share so much biology and behaviour.
