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Michael Neugebauer

Jane Goodall radically changed our understanding of chimpanzees. For more than 50 years, she has been an animal rights activist. She is most well known for her work in Tanzania.

Ms. Goodall has also created an institute in her own name, which seeks to build community and protect animal welfare and the environment. A youth component of the institute, Roots and Shoots, has 10,000 groups in more than 100 countries.

The discussion Ms. Goodall has taken place. Below is a transcript.

nhulsman - Hi, this is Noel Hulsman, we'll start our online discussion with Jane Goodall in five minutes. Please submit your questions for her.

1:01 [Comment From Jane Goodall ]

Hi Noel, Looking forward to the discussion

1:02 nhulsman - While researching chimpanzees, what type of reactions and relations did you get with any native peoples of Tanzania? - Mallory Sickle

1:03 [Comment From Jane Goodall]

Right from the beginning, Tanzanians were fascinated and became involved in helping me in the field. They are now a very important part of ongoing research. The director of Gombe Research Station is a Tanzanian with a Phd

1:03 nhulsman - In your experience, for those who want to become Ethologists (for both primates and non-primate mammals) in the wild, is it more advantageous to come from an anthropological background or biological? Specifically, what course of study, in college, would you recommend? Do you continue to work with Marc Bekoff? Who are some other notable Ethologists you enjoy working with? Thank you so much for your time, Dr. Jane. I saw Jane's Journey at the Cleveland Film Festival yesterday and it was fantastic! - Ayelet Cooper

1:05 [Comment From Jane Goodall]

It's possible to approach this from anthropology, biology, psychology, even sociology. Check on the janegoodall.org website for courses we recommend. I do sometimes still work with Marc Bekoff, also scientists like Richard Wrangham and many others. Many of them have studied at Gombe. Jane's Journey took a long time to make -- glad you enjoyed it! Hopefully it will be distributed in Canada soon.

1:06 nhulsman -

I've just started your book: Reason For Hope - a spiritual journey. Since it is 11 years since it was published, I am wondering if you feel more or less "reason for hope" in 2011. - Margaret Brady

1:10 [Comment From Jane Goodall]

I wonder if you have seen the paperback which has a last chapter added which is called "Hope Beyond 9/11". My main reasons for hope are the human brain, the resilience of nature and the energy and commitment of young people. It is so important to understand that while we need money to live, we should not live for money. As our young people grow up and move into leadership positions sharing this philosophy, then indeed there will be hope for the future. I am just about to speak to 200 young people who are part of our Roots & Shoots youth action program. There are now Roots & Shoots programs in over 125 countries, and members of all ages who roll up their sleeves and undertake projects to help people, animals and the environment. There are more than 500 groups across Canada, and we have just introduced the program to aboriginal communities too. Visit janegoodall.ca to find out more

1:11 nhulsman - Where you ever scared of the political instability in regions you studied? Did you ever have issues with Rebels or Guerilla's in the area's you worked? How do you sign up to volunteer at your center? - Michele Carney



1:15 [Comment From Jane Goodall]

Yes, many countries in Africa where we work do have major instability. We had problems with militia in Burundi and DRC and our programs in Sierra Leone and Guinea have been suspended due to instability. In 1975 students from Gombe were actually kidnapped by rebel forces from what was then Zaire (DRC) and the research station had to be closed. What we are finding works for us now is that our offices throughout Africa are staffed by local people who understand local issues and complexities which is critical particularly in a country like DRC. In terms of volunteer opportunities, the people who go to Gombe are researchers. But if you would like to volunteer in Canada, please check the website at janegoodall.ca for the many ways to get involved and to help. We'd love to have you!

1:15 [Comment From Lori ]

Jane, you are truly an inspiration to me and a woman I greatly admire. Who would you say as inspired you throughout your career?

1:17 [Comment From Jane Goodall]

My mother! She's responsible for all the major successes in my life as a result of her wise upbringing and support. I also learned so much from my dog Rusty. I am very inspired by Dr. Mohammed Yunnus who started the Grameen Bank in Bangladesh. I went to Bangladesh and met some of the women his program lifted out of poverty.

1:19 nhulsman - It's interesting that you would cite your dog. The connection between one's pet and the animal kingdom is general is one that relatively few people seem to make. Why is that?

1:21 [Comment From Jane Goodall]

So many people don't realize the extent to which we humans are part of and not separated from the animal kingdom. The chimpanzees are so like us that they have helped me to show that there is no sharp line between us and other animals. But Rusty showed me this long before I met the chimpanzees!

1:22 [Comment From Jamey Ponte ]

can you share a bit about when TZ was Nationalized and how that changed hurt or helped your work? I have read much of David Read's books and was interesting to see his perspective.

[Comment From Jane Goodall]

Tanganyika became independent in 1961 and then joined with Zanzibar to become Tanzania. During independence I was advised to leave Gombe for a few weeks in case there was rioting but everything was very peaceful. I have always had excellent relationships with the different Tanzanian government officials.

1:25 [Comment From FV ]

Ms. Goodall, i truly admire what you are doing to save the chimpanzee; and educate people about their struggle; as with Birute Galdikas and her work with orangutans in Borneo...however, the efforts seem to be lost here in North America......i believe there should be more education in the school system about endangered animals...what do you feel about modern day education system when it involves the world's depliting wildlife, especially in Africa.

1:27 [Comment From Jane Goodall]

It is for this reason that I am so passionate about growing our Roots & Shoots program everywhere including North America. Many people are apathetic because they don't feel they can help. Roots & Shoots teaches that every one of us can make a difference and together we can change the world. As part of the program there are curriculum materials that are being used in schools -- check janegoodall.ca to learn more about this program -- it is very important!

1:27 [Comment From Michele Carney ]

I'm graduating this year with a degree in anthropology. I want to work in the Virunga mountains to study the gorillas there. I will be pursing graduate school. Any advice?

1:28 [Comment From Jane Goodall]

I would say take any volunteer or internship opportunities that you can get! We have several aspiring primatologists in our office in Toronto -- don't hesitate to be in touch with them to see how they can help. And practice climbing mountains in the cold and wet!!

1:29 [Comment From Guest ]

Is there one particular touching moment that you have had with the chimps that you can share with us? And on the flip side, how about the saddest?

1:30 [Comment From Jane Goodall]

It was very wonderful when Flo's five-month old infant Flint was allowed to approach and reach out to touch me. Flo had been afraid of people most of her life and this showed me I had finally won her trust.

1:30 [Comment From Jane Goodall]

The saddest moments were recording Gilka's life described in Through a Window

1:30 [Comment From katcarver ]

I was sad to hear about the "changing of the guard" per se. at Dr. Birute's centre - ie: Kumasi dissapearing, his legacy being left to a new male - Tom. Have you seen the same thing in Gombe? Are any of the origional chimpanzees from your first visit still there? Is there a difference in your relationship with these origional animals as opposed to the ones that have grown up in your presence? Much thanks - Kathrine

1:33 [Comment From Jane Goodall]

We've watched many changes in the alpha male position at Gombe. Sometimes the ousted male is ostracized which is very sad. Fifi nearly made it through the 50 years -- she was about one year old when I began and she disappeared four years before the 50th anniversary. All the others have gone. All who grew up since 1960 accept people as part of their environment and are very relaxed around us.

1:34 [Comment From Memphis B ]

Dr Jane, What do you think are the most import things humans must do to allow room for other species to live and thrive - to be part of a balanced system of life on the planet?

1:36 [Comment From Jane Goodall]

A major problem is rapid human population growth so people need more space to live so it is very important we plan our cities and towns so that they are sustainable. Heavy meat eating contributes a great deal to global warming, as well as being bad for human health and leading much to suffering of animals. And I would go back to my comment earlier that every one of us makes a difference every day through the choices that we make -- what we eat, what we wear, how we heat our homes.

1:37 [Comment From Jane Goodall]

Last Q cont'd -- you are right, it is very important we learn to share this planet with other animals. We are all interconnectd in ways we do not yet understand. Destroying the environment and wildlife can lead to major problems for us.

1:38 nhulsman - Has your 50 years of activism been driven by optimism or pessimism? Do you ever find yourself losing hope? - Colleen Boland



1:39 [Comment From Jane Goodall]

When I look at young children today and think how we've harmed the planet since I was their age I feel a kind of desperation, but it is not too late to move in a better direction if EVERY ONE OF US THINKS ABOUT OUR ACTIONS EVERY DAY. This is why Roots & Shoots is so very important.

1:40 [Comment From Bob L ]

What are your thoughts on the vicious attacks by a few rogue chimpanzees on humans, particularly in the wild?

1:42 [Comment From Jane Goodall]

The attacks in the wild are almost always by chimpanzees whose habitat has been gradually destroyed by human encroachment. We must remember that chimpanzees are hunters just as we are. Two people were very badly injured by an adult male after they had shot a female to steal her baby for the live animal trade.

1:43 [Comment From katcarver ]

"All who grew up since 1960 accept people as part of their environment and are very relaxed around us." This must to some extent change tha nature of their behaviour, and therefore any result of research. Or does it infact allow for a more "natural" type of behaviour in the chimps?

1:44 [Comment From Jane Goodall]

I personally think that when animals are not afraid of us we see more natural behaviour. Every one who comes to Gombe comments on how the chimpanzees appear to ignore us. There was a time when I made physical contact with them but quickly realized this would alter their behaviour. Today we also understand that they are at risk of catching any infectious disease we might be carrying.

1:45 [Comment From Stephanie K. ]

Do you plan to speak in Germany? Would love to hear you in person. (We did see your film here. Was wonderful) Thank you for all you do!! Your actions and demenour are inspiring! I try to tread lightly on this planet...and spread what I can in this regard.

1:47 [Comment From Jane Goodall]

There is a Jane Goodall Institute based in Munich -- check the Janegoodall.org website for the link. I will be speaking in Berlin in the next few months. I come to Germany at least once a year to speak. Good to hear you are doing what you can to make the world a better place!

1:47 [Comment From Tara ]

Dr. Jane, I am a Roots&Shoots member and very involved in my community. I truly believe that we have a great responsibility to care for the planet, or at least stop hurting it. However, a lot of people don't seem to understand. How would you tell someone that animals (and all other life, really) is just as important as a human life?

1:49 [Comment From Jane Goodall]

The only way for people to understand is if you can tell them stories and touch their hearts. this is what I try to do in my talks and lectures. In my book REason for Hope there is a wonderful story about a taxi driver which addresses this exact issue -- you should try to get a copy.

1:51 nhulsman - Jane, I know you have a busy afternoon ahead. Thank you very much for your time and insights. It's hugely appreciated. I look forward to hearing you speak at the R.O.M. tomorrow. Thanks again.



Readers: Please know that our Leading Thinkers program will feature a video interview with Jane on Tuesday. Please look for it at www.globeandmail.com.

1:52 [Comment From Jane Goodall]

Thank you and all the people who asked questions for a stimulating hour.

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