Dr Jane Goodall Is Returning Down Under in 2024 to Chat About Her Career and Share Good News Stories

Whenever Dr Jane Goodall takes to the stage to look back on her career, fascinating tales follow. In Australia and New Zealand, that'll prove the case in 2024, when the English ethologist, activist and chimpanzee expert will return Down Under for her latest speaking tour. On her first visit this way since 2019 due to the pandemic, she's not only reflecting upon her work, however — she also has good news stories to share.

It's been 63 years since Goodall volunteered to live among chimpanzees in Tanzania's Gombe Stream National Park, and since newspaper headlines were dismissive. Now, she's a pioneering primatologist who is world-renowned for her groundbreaking research, highlighting how closely connected humans are to our closest living relatives.

Having dedicated the bulk of her life to her ongoing study, animal welfare in general and conservation, Goodall has lived a vastly fascinating existence, which she'll be speaking about in Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney and Auckland.

"I love Australia and New Zealand with its rich biodiversity and proud First Nations heritage", she said. "It will be tremendous to catch up with old friends and meet some of the young leaders making a difference through Roots & Shoots," said Goodall.

Goodall's Reasons for Hope tour heads to Curtin Stadium in Peth on Tuesday, May 28; Adelaide Town Hall on Friday, May 31; Melbourne's Palais Theatre on Tuesday, June 4; Sydney Town Hall on Thursday, June 6; and SkyCity Theatre in Auckland on Monday, June 10.

The session will feature a presentation and lecture by Goodall about her work, followed by a conversation between Goodall and a host, plus a Q&A.

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 Australia and TEG Dainty are behind her 2024 Down Under trip.

DR JANE GOODALL: REASONS FOR HOPE TOUR 2024 DATES:

Tuesday, May 28 — Curtin Stadium, Perth
Friday, May 31 — Adelaide Town Hall, Adelaide
Tuesday, June 4 — Palais Theatre, Melbourne
Thursday, June 6 — Sydney Town Hall, Sydney
Monday, June 10 — SkyCity Theatre, Auckland

Dr Jane Goodall's Reasons for Hope tour visits Australia and New Zealand in May–June 2024. Head to the tour website for further information, and for pre-sales from 10am local time on Tuesday, December 5, then general sales from 11am local time on Friday, December 8.

 Images: Michael Neugebauer / Tony Burrows / The Jane Goodall Institute.