Jane Goodall Recalls Chicagos Role In Her Life Of Activism

Jane Goodall, now 91, returned to Chicago to promote her Roots & Shoots program, which encourages youth involvement in conservation. Her remarkable journey began in 1960 when she arrived at Gombe Stream Game Reserve in Tanzania, where she conducted groundbreaking research on chimpanzees. Goodall observed tool use among chimps, which revolutionized scientific understanding of animal behavior and sparked global interest in her work. By the mid-1980s, her career pivoted towards activism after attending a significant conference at Lincoln Park Zoo, where researchers discussed the alarming decline of chimpanzee populations. This experience propelled her to advocate for endangered species and a healthier planet.

Goodall's insights into the emotional and social complexities of chimpanzees have transformed public perceptions and scientific discourse. Her lifelong dedication to conservation continues to inspire new generations of activists. Goodall's message underscores the critical need for environmental stewardship and the recognition of all living beings as interconnected.