Jane Goodall, 91, Recalls Being Objectified for Her ‘Nice Legs’ Early on in Her Career — and Using It to Her Advantage

Dr. Jane Goodall is reflecting on the highs and lows of her career and how she ultimately used her experiences to her advantage.

The 91-year-old was a guest on the Wednesday, May 21, edition of Call Her Daddy during which she reflected on her longstanding career as a renowned primatologist and conservationist.

Goodall recalled being told early on that her dreams of going to Africa to do research were “ridiculous” because she didn’t “have money” and was “just a girl.”

She attributed some of these reactions to growing up during a time of war and in a “house of women.”

With television not yet invented, Goodall said her passions grew stronger from being “outside with nature.”

Further along, host Alex Cooper asked Goodall about the first time she appeared on National Geographic, during which there was an “intense focus” on her appearance.

“Well, some of the jealous male scientists will say, ‘Well, you know, she’s just got this notoriety, and she’s getting money from Geographic. And they want her on the cover, And they wouldn’t put her on the cover if she didn’t have nice legs,’ ” said Goodall.

“So, if somebody said that today, they’d be sued. Right? Back then, all I wanted was to get back to the chimps,” she continued. “So, if my legs were getting me the money, thank you legs. And if you look at those covers, they were jolly nice legs.”

Goodall said that while she accepted that commentary because she believes women have “an advantage,” she understands that it was “a different era.”

One person who always helped Goodall overcome any negative mindset was her mother, who always encouraged her to believe in her dreams.

“She said, if you really want to do something like this, you’re going to have to work really hard. Take advantage of every opportunity. And if you don’t give up, hopefully you find a way,” said Goodall.

The message is one Goodall takes “around the world, particularly in disadvantaged communities.”