- Gary Larson’s Far Side cartoon once threatened legal conflict with the Jane Goodall Institute but was resolved amicably.
- Jane Goodall herself appreciated the humor and fostered a lasting friendship with Larson.
- The incident exemplified the balance between edgy humor and respect for scientific icons.
- The Far Side is remembered for challenging norms while earning admiration across audiences.
- This story highlights goodwill transcending initial misunderstandings in popular culture and science.
Cartoonist Gary Larson, known for his single-panel comic series The Far Side, once created a stir involving primatologist Jane Goodall. In 1987, Larson published a comic featuring chimpanzees and referencing Goodall, which led to a legal threat from her institute.
However, the situation took a surprising turn when Goodall herself intervened and embraced the cartoon. This sparked a lasting friendship between the two. This incident is one of the most memorable moments where popular culture intersects with scientific respect.
The Incident Behind Gary Larson and Jane Goodall
In August 1987, Gary Larson featured a Far Side cartoon showing a female chimpanzee plucking blonde hairs from a male chimpanzee. The female remarked, “Well, well, another blonde hair… conducting a little more ‘research’ with that Jane Goodall tramp?” This reaction led to backlash from the Jane Goodall Institute, which sent a cease-and-desist letter threatening legal action.
Despite the institute’s anger, Larson expressed his respect for Goodall. He was more upset about any hurt feelings than he was about the lawsuit. The cartoon aimed for humor and was not meant to defame.
Jane Goodall’s Surprising Response to the Cartoon
Despite the institute’s initial outrage, Jane Goodall returned from her research in Africa, saw the cartoon, and actually loved it. She told her institute to drop the legal threats. This gesture of goodwill led to a friendship between Larson and Goodall.
Larson later licensed the cartoon for merchandise to raise funds for her institute. Goodall even wrote a preface for one of The Far Side’s collected editions, showing mutual respect despite the comic’s cheeky tone.
The Far Side and its History of Bold Humor
The Far Side was famous for its quirky, sometimes controversial humor focused on animals and social oddities. The cartoon about Jane Goodall was one of several instances where Larson pushed boundaries without meaning to harm.
Earlier, a comic titled “Cow Tools” confused readers, illustrating the unique and often misunderstood nature of Larson’s work. The strip ended in 1995 but remains influential, with Larson occasionally releasing new strips online.
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Last Updated on October 2, 2025 by 247 News Around The World
