After almost forty years of observing chimpanzees, researcher Jane Goodall has generated a remarkable understanding of these complex creatures. Chimpanzees posess the rudiments of culture; they are highly social, communicating with each other through a complex system of postures, calls, and gestures. Many common gestures such as kissing, embracing, and patting are remarkably similar to our own.

Unfortunately, rapid deforestation resulting from the exploding human population in several African countries is rapidly reducing chimpanzee habitat. The written and visual records of Jane Goodall and other researchers may someday be all that remains of the primate considered most like ourselves.

The photographs in The Chimpanzees of Gombe Stream touch on the daily activity at Gombe Stream and document some of the major themes of Jane Goodall's research. They were taken by noted wildlife photographer Hugo Van Lawick for the National Geographic Society.

Photographs are courtesy of the National Geographic Society.

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