In 1960 Jane Goodall traveled from England to Tanzania and ventured into the then little-known world of wild chimpanzees. Today Dr. Goodall’s name is synonymous with chimpanzees, nature conservation, and human rights. The Gombe chimp observation that Dr. Goodall started in 1960 is now the world’s longest-running continuous wildlife research project.
Prior to her research, the world knew very little about chimpanzees and even less about their unique genetic kinship to humans. She took an unorthodox approach in her field research, immersing herself in their habitat and their lives to experience their complex society as a neighbor rather than a distant observer and coming to understand them not only as a species, but also as individuals with emotions and long-term bonds. Dr. Jane Goodall’s discovery in 1960 that chimpanzees make and use tools is considered one of the greatest achievements of twentieth-century scholarship and transformed our understanding of chimpanzees as well as redefined the relationship between humans and animals in ways that continue to emanate around the world.
Today, Dr. Jane Goodall travels around the world, writing, speaking, and spreading hope through action, encouraging each of us to “use the gift of our life to make the world a better place. “As a conservationist, humanitarian, and crusader for the ethical treatment of animals, she is a global force for compassion and a UN Messenger of Peace.
Dr. Jane Goodall with baby chimpanzee at Gombe Stream Research Center.
Every day, Dr. Jane Goodall exemplifies the difference one person can make. She inspires hundreds of thousands of young people to take action in their own lives and communities through the Roots & Shoots youth program. Now 100 countries strong and growing, Roots & Shoots is an unprecedented multiplying force in conservation, giving young people the knowledge and confidence to act on their beliefs and make a difference by being part of something bigger than themselves.
Dr. Jane Goodall has been planning on visiting China for the past year and this November she’ll be traveling to Chengdu and Beijing.
The team at Roots & Shoots Beijing would like to show her the creativity and passion of young people in China by offering a chance to meet Dr. Goodall in person. Submit an article describing what you have done in the past, create a sustainable plan for the future, or be as creative as you like and let Jane and the world hear your voice.
For more info and to participate, scan the QR code below to submit your entry. Three lucky winners will be chosen to present their plan to Dr. Jane Goodall in person!
Source: janegoodall.org, Roots & Shoots Beijing
Photo: janegoodall.org
