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At 26, Jane Goodall embarked on a groundbreaking journey into Tanzania’s Gombe Stream National Park, where she began her pioneering studies of chimpanzees. Over the past 60 years, she has become a leading figure in primatology and a global advocate for conservation. In 1977, she founded the Jane Goodall Institute, dedicated to preserving chimpanzee habitats, promoting sustainable practices, and inspiring future environmental leaders.
As CNN highlights, Mattel is celebrating Goodall’s remarkable contributions by featuring her as the newest addition to the Inspiring Women series of Barbie dolls. The doll captures her essence with a khaki outfit, a blue notebook for observations, and binoculars around her neck, ready to document fascinating behaviors.
Goodall in her element. | MattelThe Barbie version of Jane includes a special companion: David Greybeard, the chimpanzee from Gombe who first connected with Goodall, enabling her to study his community more closely. Bill Wallauer, a scientific advisor and wildlife photographer at the Jane Goodall Institute, collaborated with Barbie designer Carlyle Nuera to ensure David’s features were accurate.
“Jane discovered that chimpanzees crafted and utilized tools, such as stripping leaves from branches to fish termites out of nests for food. That’s why the David Greybeard figure includes a stick,” Nuera explained to Mattel Creations.
Greybeard and his termite-catching tool. | MattelTrue to Goodall’s dedication to environmental sustainability, 90 percent of the doll is made from recycled plastic collected near “waterways in regions without proper waste management systems.” (In simpler terms, this plastic might have otherwise polluted the ocean.)
“Throughout my career, I’ve aimed to inspire children to stay curious and explore their surroundings, much like I did during my first trip to Tanzania 62 years ago,” Goodall stated in a Mattel press release. “I’m excited to collaborate with Barbie to motivate young minds to learn from nature and believe they can create positive change.”
The Barbie doll can be purchased for $35 on Mattel’s website and at Walmart.
