Jane Goodall

Jane Goodall, born Valerie Jane Morris-Goodall, has dedicated her life to a species most people only see at the zoo or in bad sci-fi movies. Her groundbreaking work with chimpanzees in Tanzania challenged the scientific establishment and humanity's perception of its place in the natural world. She showed us that chimps use tools, have complex social structures, and are, dare we say, rather discerning about their bananas.

Goodall's commitment to her research meant spending decades immersed in the chimp world, often in less-than-glamorous conditions. She proved that you don't need a fancy degree to make monumental scientific discoveries, just an insatiable curiosity and a willingness to spend years covered in jungle grime. (Though she did eventually get a Ph.D. from Cambridge, just to shut everyone up.)

Her post-research life has been equally impactful, transforming her into a global advocate for chimpanzees and environmental conservation. Goodall travels the world, spreading her message of hope and action, presumably with a small, well-behaved chimp sidekick (though this is unconfirmed). She's a living legend, proving that even a nice English lady can be a total bad-ass when it comes to saving the planet.

As for her Jewishness, there's not a whiff of gefilte fish about her. Goodall hails from a long line of decidedly un-Jewish Britons. Her contributions are to science and conservation, not the Tribe, though we're sure many a Jewish grandmother kvells over her accomplishments nonetheless.