Belief in a Dream, Dr. Jane Goodall

INSPIRATIONAL GIRLS and WOMEN, October 2007, by Jenifer Merifield

BELIEF IN A DREAM
How a Mother’s unwavering support led
one girl to live her passion...

Dr. Jane Goodall is an internationally acclaimed primatologist, conserva-tionist and UN Messenger of Peace. She travels the world 300 days of the year spreading messages of peace and hope, and raising awareness about the threats facing African wildlife, particularly the endangered chimpanzee.

It was Jane’s dream to study wild animals in Africa from a very early age. “I cannot remember a time in my life when I have not been fascinated by animals or concerned with their welfare. I spent a great deal of time thinking about nature and animals and the magic of the wild, remote places where they lived. It was The Story of Doctor Dolittle, by Hugh Lofting, that made me decide that someday I must go to Africa – that and my mother’s unwavering support of my childhood dreams,” says Dr. Goodall.

Jane would have loved to study zoology or biology at university, but this wasn’t possible financially, so she began her career as a secretary in London, England. She never did give up on her dream. She credits her mother, Vanne, as being the person who gave her the hope and determination to continue, even when it seemed like an impossible goal. “When I told people that I dreamed of going to Africa, Vanne was the only one who did not laugh. Instead, she said, ‘If you work hard, take advantage of opportunities and never give up, you will find a way.’ And I did!”

On April 2, 1957, at age 22, Jane Goodall arrived in Kenya and met Dr. Louis Leakey, a famed paleontologist who was impressed by her incredible patience and by how much she knew about African animals. Despite the fact that she had no scientific qualifications, he suggested that she undertake a long-term study of wild chimpanzees in the remote Gombe National Park in Tanzania – something that had never been done before.

“Not having a scientific degree seemed to actually work in my favour as I was unencumbered by the teachings of science and could offer a more balanced approach to the study. Of course, I accepted this fantastic opportunity.” says Dr. Goodall.

There were still more obstacles to be overcome. The Tanzanian authorities at the time would not allow a woman to live on her own in the forest. But Jane wasn’t deterred, and the problem was solved when her mother offered to accompany her for the first part of her field study. When Jane began her work at Gombe in 1960, little did she know that she would remain there, on and off, for the next 25 years and that along the way she would make some incredible discoveries – discoveries that would shatter our perceptions about Great Apes and other animals, and even about what it means to be human.

The work was extremely difficult and very lonely. “Every morning I would get up at 5:30 and climb to the mountaintops to observe the chimpanzees. Most often, I went to the Peak, a high place from which I could see in all directions, observing the chimpanzees moving in the trees and hearing their calls. I never returned to camp before sunset. Sometimes I even slept on the Peak.”

Today, Jane’s spirit is as strong as ever while her mission has grown to include raising awareness of how critically endangered the wild animals of Africa are. She works tirelessly to promote living in harmony with our environment and to help nurture new generations of caring and active citizens around the world.

To find out more about how you can help or to become part of the global network of Roots & Shoots groups for young people, visit JaneGoodall.ca

~Jenifer

Girls Can Do Anything Magazine

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Belief in a Dream, Dr. Jane Goodall

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