Learning from the Legend: Jane Goodall Teaches Conservation

If you don’t know who Jane Goodall is, she’s a well-known primatologist and activist, who has dedicated many years of her life studying wild chimpanzees in Tanzania. Her groundbreaking discovery of chimpanzees' tool use and complex nature sparked a global awareness campaign. This led to the rescue of countless chimps from medical laboratories and the implementation of new protective laws. People finally recognized that chimpanzees, like ourselves, possess unique minds, personalities, and emotions.. She is now a full-time activist and advocates for community conservation, animal welfare, and youth empowerment. 

I recently had the opportunity to view Jane Goodall’s Masterclass on conservation. The setting was straight out of a dream - a serene, airy space where Jane sat talking to us surrounded by linen room dividers placed in a lush green forest. 

The masterclass was a mix of Jane’s heartwarming stories, incredible insights, and beautiful illustrations. Throughout the course, we get to see old footage of Jane's early research in Tanzania, as well as breathtaking images of nature and animals, as Jane talks about chimpanzee behaviour, animal intelligence, activism, materialism, climate change, and other challenging yet important topics. Her commentary combined with these visual elements, create a truly immersive learning experience.

Her calming and articulate voice made her words easy to listen to. She spoke passionately about the significance of empathy, compassion, and hope in environmental work. Her stories of the chimpanzees she had studied over the years were both heartbreaking and heartwarming.

One story in particular, the story of chimpanzee Flint, stands out to me. Him and his mother, Flo, shared such a close bond, that when Flo passed away, Flint couldn’t cope, and died soon after, at only 5 years of age. 

Beyond her own experiences with chimpanzees, she recommends valuable resources and highlights other inspiring conservationists. This encourages viewers to delve deeper into the topic after the course. Other significant topics are addressed as well such as industrial agriculture, intensive farming versus organic farming,the importance of communication (even when it’s hard), and how each of us choose to make a difference every day through our actions.

One of the most powerful messages Jane Goodall conveyed was the interconnectedness of all living beings. She emphasised the importance of understanding and respecting the natural world, not just for our own sake, but for the sake of future generations. She stressed the role that each of us play in making a positive difference, no matter how small our actions may seem, and gives actionable tips on how we can live a more sustainable life. 

Leaving the masterclass, I felt inspired and empowered. Growing up determined to become a wildlife conservationist just like Jane, her wisdom and compassion have left a lasting impression on me to this day. Her motivation and humour are contagious. I encourage everyone to learn more about Jane Goodall’s work and to find ways to get involved in conservation efforts in their own way.

Jane gave some actionable tips as to how we can make more conscious and sustainable decisions on a daily basis. You can find an infographic with her tips to download for free in the “shop” section of this website, or press download below !