Gombe Stream National Park

Can you hear that. It is the sound of my forest. Monkeys chatter high up in my trees, and the leaves rustle in the warm wind. I am in a country called Tanzania, in Africa, right beside a big, sparkling lake. The sun warms my green hills every morning. I am filled with secrets and amazing families who live here. They swing from my branches and have dark, intelligent eyes that watch everything. They play and laugh and care for their babies, just like you. I am a special home for these families. I am Gombe Stream National Park.

For a long time, my chimpanzee families lived peacefully, and not many people knew their secrets. But one day, a new friend arrived. On July 14th, 1960, a young woman named Jane Goodall came to my forest. She didn't make a lot of noise. Instead, she was quiet and very patient. She wanted to learn everything about my chimpanzees. Day after day, she would sit near them, just watching and waiting. The chimpanzees were shy at first, but soon they got used to her. One day, Jane saw something that made her gasp with excitement. She saw a chimpanzee take a twig, strip off its leaves, and poke it into a termite mound to get a tasty snack. No one knew they could use tools like that. People thought, “Wow, they are so smart.”. Her discovery showed the world how clever and special my chimpanzees are. Because of her important work, I was officially made a national park in 1968. This meant I would be protected forever.

My job today is the most important one I have ever had. I am a safe haven, a protected home for my chimpanzee families and all the other creatures who live under my trees. Scientists and visitors still come from all over the world. They walk my paths, inspired by Jane's story, hoping to see the amazing animals I protect. My story teaches everyone a wonderful lesson. If we are patient and kind and take the time to watch, we can learn incredible things about our world and the animals we share it with. I am a place of discovery and friendship. I promise to keep my animal families safe for many, many years to come, so that new children, just like you, can be inspired to love and care for nature.