Overview
When Dr Jane Goodall volunteered to live among chimpanzees in Tanzania's Gombe Stream National Park, newspaper headlines were dismissive. Nearly 60 years later, the pioneering primatologist is world-renowned for her groundbreaking research — highlighting how closely connected humans are to our closest living relatives.
Having dedicated the past six decades to her ongoing study, animal welfare in general and conservation, Goodall has lived a vastly fascinating life, which she'll be chatting about when she comes to New Zealand in May 2019.
Goodall will appear at Jane Goodall: Rewind The Future event, which heads to Wellington's Michael Fowler Centre on Sunday, May 19 and Auckland's ASB Theatre Aotea on Thursday, May 23. The session will feature a 40-minute lecture by Goodall about her work, followed by a conversation between Goodall and a host for the same duration.
Topics certain to get a mention include just how revolutionary her findings were at the time — and the impact they still have now — as well as her connection with the resident primates of Gombe. You can also expect Goodall to discuss her subsequent efforts to fight against threats to African chimpanzee populations, such as deforestation, illegal trade and unethical mining operations.
Indeed, wildlife and environmental conservation is the main aim of the Jane Goodall Institute, which she founded in 1977. The Jane Goodall Institute New Zealand and Loop are behind her 2019 trip.
Catch Jane Goodall: Rewind The Future at Wellington's Michael Fowler Centre on Sunday, May 19 and Auckland's ASB Theatre on Thursday, May 23. General sale tickets will be available January 23.