Jane Goodall is a true legend. The British primatologist, United Nations Messenger of Peace, her works on chimps they have revolutionized the way we see these animals and, therefore, also ourselves. For this reason, his 89th birthday was this Monday a reason for celebration around the world.
Among the many congratulations that the British scientist has received, stand out those of some environmental activists and Spanish celebrities, who sent her a message of congratulations. Activists also wanted to thank her for the projects she promotes, through the Jane Goodall Institute, in Africa to promote sustainable development of local communities, protect wild chimpanzees and their habitat and care for more than 140 chimpanzees rescued from illegal trafficking and poaching at the largest chimpanzee rehabilitation center on the continent, run by Galician veterinarian Dr. Rebeca Atencia.
Born in Hampstead (UK) in 1934, Jane Goodall is one of history’s most important scientists and environmental activists. His passion for animals germinated very early. From an early age, she showed an innate curiosity for nature and an incredible fascination for traveling in Africa and the study of wild animals. Accompanied by her mother, who has always been her great support, she came in 1960 the jungles of Gombe, Tanzania, to study wild chimpanzees under the direction of paleoanthropologist Louis Leakey, in groundbreaking research that remains to this day the world’s longest study of wild chimpanzees.
Through her observations, Jane was the first to discover that chimpanzees are able to make and use tools among other fascinating behaviors. These discoveries revolutionized the world of science and redefined the concept of being human. Ultimately, they changed the way we see ourselves.
The power of empathy
After decades of research, Goodall decided to become an activist for the protection of biodiversity and the future of the planet. Since then, his work has been essential not only to spread knowledge about chimpanzees, but also to generate empathy and strengthen the protection of all species and their ecosystems.
At just 89 years old, Dr. Goodall continues to work to spread his message of hope, educate new generations and show that each individual makes a difference every day. “Before the pandemic, I was traveling 300 days a year. Little by little, I come back to this number. I’ll be 90 in a year, who knows how long I have left? she wonders. “HoweverThere is a lot to do. As long as my mind and body obey, I will continue,” he said.
For Jane Goodall, “the important thing is to realize that there is still We are on time but we must act. We each have to contribute our grain of sand. Although it may seem small, billions of small ethical actions make a difference. But if we lose hope, fall into apathy and fail to act, then we are doomed.”