Barbie Dr. Jane Goodall Doll - Inspiring Women

British primatologist Jane Goodall had a Barbie made in her likeness, fulfilling a long-held wish to have her own doll to inspire young girls.

Mattel Inc unveiled the new Barbie, which the toy maker says is made from recycled plastic, as part of its Inspiring Women series, a nod to Goodall's groundbreaking studies on chimpanzees and conservation efforts.

Dressed in a khaki shirt and shorts and holding a notebook, Goodall's doll has a pair of binoculars around her neck and David Greybeard at her side, a replica of the first chimpanzee who trusted the primatologist while conducting her research in the National Park. of Gombe, in what is now Tanzania in East Africa.

"I wanted a doll to be me even before this idea came up. I've seen little girls playing with Barbie dolls and certainly at first, they were all very girly and I thought little girls needed to choose," Goodall told Reuters. .

"Mattel has changed their range of dolls and there are all kinds of astronauts and doctors and things like that. A lot of children learn about me at school. They will be delighted to have the Barbie doll."

Goodall, 88, began his research in East Africa in 1960 and observed that chimpanzees make tools, hunt and eat meat and show compassion, among other characteristics.

"When I arrived in Gombe, it was beautiful, my dream had come true," he said. "But for four months the chimpanzees ran away from me... so although the forest was wonderful, I couldn't enjoy it until David Greybeard lost his fear and helped others lose their fear too."

Barbie® Inspiring Women™

​The Barbie® Inspiring Women™ series pays tribute to the incredible heroines of their time; brave women who took risks, changed the rules and paved the way for generations of girls to dream bigger than ever. The series proudly honors Dr. Jane Goodall as its next addition.

Honoring Dr. Jane Goodall

Dr. Jane Goodall's fascination with wildlife and her unorthodox method of field study led to her groundbreaking research and heroic achievements as a conservationist and humanitarian. Barbie® honors her brilliant discoveries and decades of dedication with a collectible doll made from recycled materials.

Fun and themed accessories

Dr. Jane Goodall Barbie® doll wears a country outfit with a khaki shirt, shorts and boots. Collectible and posable, she comes equipped with a notebook and a pair of binoculars and is joined by one of her most famous subjects, the chimpanzee David Graybeard.

An extraordinary role model

Girls need more role models like Dr. Jane because imagining they can be anything is just the beginning. Actually, seeing that they can makes all the difference. Dr. Jane Goodall Barbie® Doll makes a great gift for collectors and kids ages 6 and up.

By Mattel Creations