My Life with the Chimpanzees

Dr. Louis Leakey was a pioneering Kenyan-British archaeologist and anthropologist whose groundbreaking discoveries in East Africa reshaped the understanding of human evolution. His research established that human beings were far older than previously believed and confirmed that human evolution was centered in Africa. Leakey’s work at Olduvai Gorge in southern Tanzania yielded significant findings, including the 1959 discovery of Hominin bones dating back nearly 2 million years. He also unearthed Homo habilis: the first true toolmaker. These discoveries positioned Leakey as a paramount figure in paleoanthropology. He was instrumental in establishing primate research stations and national parks in Kenya, recognizing the value of studying primate behavior to gain insights into human ancestors.

Dr. Louis Leakey’s support of Jane Goodall was pivotal, catalyzing her career in primatology. After meeting Leakey in Nairobi, Goodall’s extensive knowledge of African animals impressed him, leading to her employment as his secretary. This role soon evolved into a more significant opportunity when Leakey invited her to join an expedition to Olduvai Gorge, where her hands-on experience with fossils cemented her passion for research. Leakey’s foresight in recognizing Goodall’s potential despite her lack of formal training was instrumental in her career. His guidance and efforts to secure funding facilitated the establishment of her research site. His influence is evident in Goodall’s narrative as she recounts his pivotal role in her journey, and his legacy underscores his lasting contributions to our understanding of human evolution.

Old Flo, a female chimpanzee at Gombe Stream National Park, was one of Jane Goodall’s favorite subjects and played a major role in her research. Recognizable by her balding nose and ragged ears, Flo often visited Goodall’s camp with her children, including FiFi and Figan. Goodall observed Flo’s interactions with her offspring and other chimps, gaining deep insights into their complex social structures. Flo’s family dynamics provided invaluable information about chimpanzee behavior, unveiling the close bonds between mothers and their offspring and the social hierarchy within the community.

As the top-ranking female in her community, Flo was influential but was outranked by the males that dominated chimpanzee social hierarchy. Through Flo, Goodall learned that wild female chimps typically have only one baby every five or six years. Flo’s nurturing behavior, especially toward her son, Flint, who was the first chimpanzee infant observed up close by Goodall, offered a window into the emotional lives of these primates. Flint grew up under Flo’s protection but exhibited spoiled behavior, throwing tantrums and remaining unusually dependent on her even as he aged. Flint’s dependency continued until Flo’s death in 1972, which deeply affected him. He became severely depressed and stopped eating, and despite efforts from Goodall and his sister, Fifi, Flint died three weeks later, unable to cope without his mother.

Flo’s legacy continued through her other offspring. Fifi became a notable figure in Goodall’s research. Figan, her son, rose to the position of alpha male after defeating his rival and maintained this dominant position for 10 years. His leadership showcased the social strategies he inherited from his mother. Fifi’s journey as a mother, raising her children Freud, Frodo, Fanni, and Flossi, demonstrated the transmission of maternal behaviors from one generation to the next. Freud eventually became the alpha male in 1994. Flo’s descendants remained a dominant force at Gombe, perpetuating her legacy far beyond her death.