U.S President Biden, awards Gombe National Park Researcher, Jane Goodall, with Medal of Freedom
The President of the United States, Joe Biden has named nineteen recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, awarded at the White House in Washington.
Among the receivers is Dr. Jane Goodall a world-renowned primatologist, ethologist and conservationist whose research at the Gombe Stream National Park in Tanzania, transformed the world’s understanding of primates and human evolution.
Jane, who turns 91 in April 2025, is considered the world’s foremost expert on chimpanzees, after studying the species for over 60 years learning and documenting the social and family interactions of the wild primates.
Dr Goodall started to observe Chimpanzees at the Gombe Stream National Park, along the Lake Tanganyika shores of North-West Tanzania in 1960, staying there for six decades.
According to the White House, Dr Goodall is a passionate advocate for empowering individuals and communities to protect and preserve the natural world.
At one time Dr Goodall married Hugo van Lawick, the professional Tanzania-based, Dutch photographer who worked in Africa producing wildlife photos and films but they later divorced.
She founded the Jane Goodall Institute (JGI), which has 19 branches around the globe working to support research efforts at the Gombe National Park of Kigoma. Jane remains a global leader in the effort to protect chimpanzees and their habitats.
The ‘Mother of Chimpanzees,’ is receiving the well-earned accolade for her dedicated work in the wildlife sector.
“I am deeply honored to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom,” said Dr. Jane Goodall. “This recognition reflects the hope and action of so many people who inspire and motivate me every day in the firm belief that together we can and we must save the natural world for ourselves and future generations.”
The U.S Presidential Medal of Freedom is the Nation’s highest civilian honor, presented to individuals who have made exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values, or security of the United States, world peace, or other significant societal, public or private endeavors.
A statement from the White House explains that President Biden believes great leaders keep the faith, give everyone a fair shot, and put decency above all else.
“These nineteen individuals are great leaders who have made America and the world a better place. They are great leaders because they are good people who have made extraordinary contributions to their country and the world.”
Other presidential award nominees include the chef and philanthropist José Andrés, musician and activist Bono, former Secretary of State and presidential nominee Hillary Clinton, actor Michael J. Fox, entrepreneur Tim Gill,
There is also the NBA legend Magic Johnson, fashion designer Ralph Lauren, soccer star Lionel Messi, science educator Bill Nye, philanthropist David Rubenstein, philanthropist George Soros, American Film Institute founder George Stevens Jr., actor Denzel Washington and long-time Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour.
The U.S president also posthumously honored four individuals: Robert F. Kennedy, who served as attorney general; Ashton Carter, who served as Defense secretary; George Romney, who served as governor of Michigan; and Fannie Lou Hamer, a civil rights activist who founded the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party.