Childhood

On April 3, 1934, Valerie Jane Morris-Goodall is born in London, England to Mortimer, an engineer and Vanne, an author.

Jane loves animals even as a child. When she is just over one year old, her father gives her a toy chimpanzee, in honour of a baby chimpanzee born at the London Zoo. Friends warn her parents that such a gift will cause nightmares for a child. However, Jane loves the toy and names the chimpanzee Jubilee, carrying it with her everywhere.

On one occasion during fall 1939, Jane hides for hours in a henhouse to discover where the eggs come from, unaware her family is frantically searching for her. Upon Jane's return to the house, Jane's mother sees how excited she is and rather than scolding her, instead sits down to listen as Jane tells her story.

Jane's dream to live in Africa and watch and write about animals stays with her. Although this is an unusual goal for a girl at the time, Jane's mother encourages her, saying "Jane, if you really want something, and if you work hard, take advantage of the opportunities, and never give up, you will somehow find a way."

Jane's childhood is a happy one with much time spent playing and exploring outside her family's home in Bournemouth, England. But World War II is raging and Jane's father is in the army as an engineer, disappearing from his daughter's life for a time.

After the war, Jane's parents divorce.

When Jane graduates from high school in 1952, she cannot not afford to go to university. So Jane learns to be a secretary and works for a time at Oxford University typing documents. Later, she work for a London filmmaking company, choosing music for documentaries.

In May 1956, Jane's friend Clo Mange invites Jane to her family's farm in Kenya. Jane quits her London job, moves back home and works as a waitress to save enough money for boat fare.