“Just spend a little bit of time each day thinking about the consequences of the choices you make”
-Dr. Jane Goodall
She is considered to be the world’s most prominent expert on chimpanzees and spent 45 years studying the species in Tanzania. Her institute has been innovative in establishing community-centered conservation and development programs in Africa. As I sat and listened to Dr. Jane Goodall last week, I was intrigued by her knowledge and inspired by her passion for this endangered species.
As you know, Disneynature Chimpanzee was released in theaters nationwide this weekend. The film follows the story of Oscar, a young chimp struggling to survive in the African forests. Dr. Jane Goodall served as an advisor to the filmmakers, and having spent as much time as she has studying this incredible species, we all wanted to know how and when her love for chimpanzees began.”Well, I wanted to go to Africa when I was ten,” she recalled. “And that was because of “Tarzan.” I find it fascinating that even at the young age of ten, she had the foresight to know where her fervor would take her. Goodall remembers wanting to live with the animals…to write books about them. It wasn’t until she actually traveled to Kenya and was offered the opportunity to study chimps that her passion for these animals was solidified.
One of the most intriguing aspects of the film is the social and familial behaviors of chimps that are portrayed. For example, when Isha nurses Oscar, she looks at him like a mother would look at her child. Because the film depicts these animals in such a positive way, it was important for Dr. Goodall to emphasize the fact that as sweet and cute as they may seem, chimpanzees should be left in the wild and not taken for pets. Over the next two decades, it has been predicted that chimpanzees will become extinct in 10 different countries and the greatest threat to their survival is humans.
As much as I strive to make a difference, there are times when I feel like I’m not doing enough. I’m only one person and like many, conservation and environmental responsibility sometimes seem so far out of reach. “…spend a little bit of time each day thinking about the consequences of the choices you make. What you buy. Where did it come from? How was it made? What do you eat? Does it involve cruelty to animals? What do you wear that does involve child-slave labor or sweat shops? How many miles has it traveled? How was the environment damaged?” It’s all about those simple steps…those small changes that become big changes. What we do matters and it’s crucial to understand this concept in order to effect change.
While Dr. Goodall was not involved with making the film, her influence permeates the story from beginning to end.
When you see Disneynature Chimpanzee during opening week, a portion of the film’s proceeds will be donated to the Jane Goodall Institute to help preserve this incredible species.
No compensation was received for this post. Travel expenses provided by Disney.
Photos: Disney
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I almost got to see her talk in Winter Park last week. Unfortunately it wound up being too last minute for me to be able to get off of work. I had the opportunity to go with someone who is an “old friend” of Jane’s, and to possibly meet her, which would have been a dream. (She is the only person for whom I would consider driving to Winter Park!)
What a fun event – VERY jealous 🙂
We went and saw the film and it was very good. Loved the story of the chimpanzees!
She seems like one amazing lady!
I’m hoping to see the movie this week. Oscar has stolen my heart.