Conservationist Jane Goodall going strong at 90

Renowned English conservationist, primatologist, world’s foremost expert on chimpanzees, and U.N. Messenger of Peace Jane Goodall turns 90 today.

Born April 3, 1934, Jane Goodall was just 26 years old when she followed her passion for wildlife to Gombe, Tanzania, where she began her groundbreaking research into the social and family interactions of chimpanzees in the wild. Her work changed forever humans’ understanding of our relationship with the animal kingdom. Her work extends beyond scientific innovations, encompassing a lifetime of advocacy through her international organization, the Jane Goodall Institute.

Dr Goodall continues to be a trailblazer with her efforts to advance community-led conservation, which empowers local communities to own the sustainable development and conservation process. Through its Roots & Shoots programme, the Jane Goodall Institute’s international youth programme, she supports young people in more than 60 countries to create positive change in their communities.

Though entering her 10^th decade today, Dr Goodall shows no signs of slowing down. This year she will be travelling for 320 days, speaking about the converging crises of climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental inequity, and raising money for her nonprofit organizations. There are Jane Goodall Institutes in 25 different countries and all of them plan to use her 90^th birthday to host events, raise funds, and spread awareness.

Ninety female wildlife and landscape photographers from around the world are marking the occasion with a print sale of environmental pictures. The Jane Goodall Institute and the nonprofit Vital Impacts have collaborated on The Nature of Hope: 90 Years of Jane Goodall’s Impact, a 90-day sale with 60% of the proceeds going to the institute.

Later this week, the Jane Goodall Institute of Canada will welcome her to the country with a full itinerary of events, meetings, and campaigns that use the milestone to spread her message of hope and empower Canadians to take action for animals, people, and the environment.

At an extraordinary evening at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre in Vancouver on April 12, which is already sold out, Jane Goodall will share stories and lessons from her 90 years of life and outline the steps needed to protect the earth for the next 90 at least. She will be joined by special host and animal rights activist Jann Arden.

At a birthday party in Toronto, also sold out, guests will have the opportunity to raise a toast to Dr Goodall after she addresses them. A photographic exhibition will showcase rarely seen photos from milestones in her life while a live auction will end the evening with items and experiences inspired by her.

Support garnered through these events and campaigns will help to sustain Dr Goodall’s comprehensive approach to conservation, which includes forest restoration and protection, animal rights advocacy, community-led conservation, and youth empowerment.