Famed environmentalist, primatologist, and UN Messenger of Peace, Dr. Jane Goodall visited Langley on Monday.
Goodall, who is best known for spending over 60 years studying Chimpanzees in Africa, discussed the Disney Nature movie “Chimpanzee,” and her nonprofit organization, The Jane Goodall Institute, which is based in Arlington, Virginia.
Dr. Goodall sat down with the Sports Editor Tommy Orme to discuss the movie, the environment, and the need to follow your passion and dreams.
Saxon Scope: Disney just released the new movie “Chimpanzee”– about a chimp adopted by another tribe after his mother dies. I understand the Jane Goodall Foundation is tied to the movie. What role did you play in the production of the movie?
Dr. Jane Goodall: I didn’t play a role in the actual production, but Disney talked to me and told me that they wanted me to help raise awareness for the movie. They said that they wanted to support my foundation by donating some of the proceeds.
Saxon Scope: What will the money from the movie be going towards?
Dr. Jane Goodall: It will be used for getting chimpanzees out of enclosures and into sanctuaries. We need to raise a couple hundred thousand dollars for that to happen. So far we’ve raised about $100,000, which is good, but we still need $200,000 more.
Saxon Scope: What was the most amazing part about the movie, to you?
Dr. Jane Goodall: What’s incredible is that the crew thought the whole movie was ended when Oscar’s mom was killed by a leopard. They were about to call Disney and tell them they couldn’t make the movie any more. But then Oscar got adopted, and this extraordinary relationship developed. Another incredible thing is that the enemy chimp, Scar, had such a distinct look. It’s as though Disney sent a makeup artist to paint him – you can tell instantly that he’s the enemy.
Saxon Scope: In the movie, there are distinct differences between good and bad chimpanzees. What is your definition of a bad chimpanzee mother?
Dr. Jane Goodall: A bad mother is not very patient, she is either overprotective or doesn’t care at all, and she isn’t affectionate or playful. But most of all, she isn’t supportive. Her chimp could be out getting into trouble and she’s not quick to jump in.
Saxon Scope: You are an example of someone who found their passion at an early age. What is your advice for high schoolers who aren’t quite sure what they want to do with their lives yet?
Dr. Jane Goodall: The worst thing a young person can do is to go into a job for money. But as far as finding what you want to do, just keep alert and listen to people. I’ve had at least three young people come up to me after hearing about my work and say, “Now I know what I want to do with my life.”
Saxon Scope: Can you tell us about the stuffed monkey you brought with you today?
Dr. Jane Goodall: His name is Mr. H. The “H” stands for Hope, but it also stands for Han, because my friend Gary Han is the one who gave it to me. Gary went blind at age 21, and he became a magician, even though people told him he couldn’t do it. He’s so good at magic that kids don’t even know he’s blind until he tells them. Gary thought he was giving me a stuffed chimp for my birthday, so I had him touch the tail (laughs.) Mr. H has been with me to about 42 countries, and he’s been touched by about 4 million people.
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Photos by Kelsey Rook and Emily Flessas