Today at the age of 82, Goodall travels an average of 300 days a year to speak on behalf of the world’s natural inhabitants. For the past 30 years, she has kept up this grueling schedule of meetings with decision-makers, public talks, and press interviews. Goodall and animal rights groups have improved conditions for many chimps in captivity, although this work is far from complete.
The European Union banned the use of great apes in medical research in 2013, citing ethical reasons, and the United States and the United States ended the practice in 2015.
Ironically, the scientist who spent so many years alone in the forest is so effective because she’s learned from studying chimps how to talk to humans. ”Most public speakers are charismatic and throw their energy out into the room,” said a friend who heard Goodall speak recently. “She’s different. She talks quietly and draws your energy to her. She's burning with this intensity and drive. But it's contained and makes you want to get it.”
“Are we going to go on destroying God's creation, fighting each other, hurting the other creatures of his planet?” Goodall asks audiences. “Or are we going to find ways to live in greater harmony with each other and with the natural world?” To find the answers, we have long looked to Jane Goodall, who is universally admired for her energy, quiet intelligence, and compassion. But as we face a host of critical problems, she encourages us to go one step further—and tap those deeply human qualities in ourselves.
JANE GOODALL
UNITED NATIONS
MESSENGER OF
PEACE
In 2002 Goodall was appointed a United Nations Messenger of Peace, and in that role she continues to focus the world’s attention on environmental issues.
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