Calgarians experienced a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness a long-time researcher and advocate for animal preservation at the Jubilee Auditorium.
Jane Goodall spoke to hundreds of Calgarians on June 22, 2022, and said that animals, people, and environment must thrive in harmony so that the world may flourish.
“What we have to remember is we are part of the natural world, we actually depend on it,” said Goodall.
“Respect for each other, respect for the animals, respect for the environment.”
Goodall is a scientist and environmental activist who has done extensive research in habitat conservation and has established institutions around the world.
In her speech, Goodall pressed the urgency on standing for what is ethical, humane and environmentally friendly while keeping her message inspiring and enjoyable.
“The message I have tonight is about hope,” Goodall said in her opening presentation. “If we lose hope, we become apathetic, and if we become apathetic we’re doomed.”
After a two-year break from in-person speaking engagements, Goodall hit the road once more at the age of 88. The near-full venue drew an enthusiastic crowd.
“To have the opportunity to see her is a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” said Gabrielle Bieber, an audience member who has been an avid supporter of Goodall for many years.
“I’ve heard her talk. It’s very inspirational and that’s why I wanted to bring my family today,” said Darcie Bye, an audience member who attended the event with his family.
Goodall breaks ground on research
Goodall has been doing ground-breaking research for nearly 50 years. In the ’70s and ’80s, she worked intimately with chimpanzees in Gombe Stream National Park, Tanzania. Goodall is currently a messenger of peace for the United Nations, and she is a travelling speaker who inspires many.
The Jane Goodall Institute (JGI), has branches in 65 countries around the world, working to resolve different crises depending on the region. JGI Canada focuses on the issues of biodiversity loss, climate change, and environmental inequity.
Through youth outreach programs worldwide, JGI seeks to inspire the next generation to create a more sustainable world.
Her lecture focused on the choices people can make right now to lead to a better and brighter future for the planet.
In her speech, Goodall explained that some may see science as the logical pursuit of facts, or carefully calculated experiments in labs, but she aims to reform this view. To Goodall, science is a means for hope.
Goodall expressed her commitment to the future generations in her speech.
“I know there are young people out in the audience tonight, we want to help you, we want to ensure a future for you.”