Thanks to CSNW board member Elizabeth List, J.B. and I recently had the opportunity to see Jane Goodall give a presentation to a small group of people hosted by the Seattle Foundation.
Here is Elizabeth and Dr. Goodall (you may be able to tell from this photo that Elizabeth was pretty excited to share a stage with Jane):
And here we are, in case you didn’t believe me:
Like many other devoted fans, we’ve met Dr. Goodall several times over the years and have seen her speak in very diverse venues, and she never fails to be truly inspirational. She’s a force for good in this world. Her legacy reaches every corner of the earth, in both big and small ways. She is a groundbreaking animal behavior scientist, a role model for girls and women, and a voice of both compassion and reason in matters concerning the environment and animals.
In my world, her influence is present nearly everyday because she literally wrote the book on chimpanzee behavior. When we describe chimpanzee facial expressions, vocalizations, social interactions, and all other behavior, we are most often using the terminology that developed from the hours upon hours that Jane Goodall observed chimpanzees in their natural habitat. She published papers and books that proceeded it, but the quintessential academic book on chimpanzee behavior, that every primatologist has on their bookshelves, is called The Chimpanzees of Gombe: Patterns of Behavior.
I could say that this blog post is a nod to Jane Goodall’s work, but really almost all of our blog posts, and, indeed, the sanctuary itself, in the big picture, is thanks to Jane Goodall and her work that allowed us all a glimpse into the world of our closest living relatives.
As I’ve written before on this blog – my favorite chimpanzee facial expression is, as Jane Goodall named it, “relaxed face with drooped lip.”
Among all of the chimpanzees who I have worked directly for over the years, there is no one that illustrates that face better than Jody. Here are two photos that J.B. took of Jody demonstrating the perfect relaxed face with drooped lip:
Nicole Moore says
I believed you, but still nice to see the pictures 😉 . What a wonderful experience. I signed up for her “Masterclass” online and she is mesmerizing. Thank you for sharing.
Diana says
Awesome! I’ve heard good things about that class.
Jill says
Beautiful! Thank you Diana for sharing this!
Kathleen says
About two weeks after I visited CSNW I saw Dr. Jane Goodall on her Sewing Seeds Of Hope Tour (2014). I just about burst when she gave her famous hoot to the crowd. When I stood before her to have her sign my book my heart was pounding, so much I wanted to say and “Thank you” just couldn’t cover it. I babbled about just visiting the Cle Elum Seven and Jane got a twinkle in her eye and said something like “Oh Yes!”. I was so over the moon I could hardly plant my feet on the ground. That was one of the best months, two dreams became a reality — beyond inspiring.
We all need to carry just a little bit of Jane Goodall within us. If we did, we would all walk around with the perfect relaxed face with drooped lip because the world would be a more beautiful place for everyone.
Diana says
Well said – we should all carry a little bit of Jane Goodall within us. In addition to everything she has accomplished and how hard she continues to work to make the world a better place, she has such a calm and empathetic delivery/presence.
Elaine Reininger says
Kathleen: Your last sentence is so true and so beautifully expressed.
Jane Goodall has been a hero for me most of my adult life (that’s why I have 20 animal charity rescue groups on my donations list.) I’ve watched that video of her being HUGGED as she was releasing one of her patients dozens of times–to think he came back to THANK HER–touched me like no other story or video ever had. You would think once the cage door opened he would have just ran into the jungle—but watching him put his arms around her…it still bring tears to my eyes just thinking about it. That proes they are thinking creatures
I’m not young and beautiful like Elizabeth but that is certainly how I would have looked if I was in Jane Goodalls presence. thanks for sharing these pictures with us
Kathleen says
Hi Elaine, I think you are young and beautiful in your heart and that’s all that matters. ????
Francoise Vulpe says
Elaine, I know the video as I think most everyone with in an interest in primates or Jane Goodall has. And each time I view it, my eyes fill and my heart soars and aches at the same time. First in awe and joy to see the love and devotion and the chimpanzee’s unabashed feelings so clearly displayed. And that they hug for so long. True affection and respect. And two, for thinking how incredible that would be to be in Jane’s place. Unbelievable. What a woman, what a legacy to the world.
Francoise Vulpe says
And for those who may not have seen it, here is the link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EsUP2dftN9w
Diana says
That video is so amazing. Dr. Goodall mentioned it at the talk we attended and described the experience of helping to release Wounda and the hug as one of the most amazing she’s ever had. There’s a longer video here that tells a bit more of Wounda’s story: https://youtu.be/YzC7MfCtkzo
lisa says
would you be so kind to share with me, who at CSNW are primatologists. I would be grateful. thank you. and by the way . . . I am in awe of the pictures. such a beautiful inspiration dr. jane goodall is. I can only imagine what it is like to be in her presence.
Diana says
Lisa, all of the staff have training in primatology, ranging from apprenticeships to master’s degrees 🙂
Tobin says
Jane Goodall is a living saint. I hope that she was able to visit the Sanctuary while she was in Washington. If I were Foxie and met Dr. Goodall, I would perform a spin dance in her honor.
Diana says
We’ve invited her out a few times, of course, but her traveling schedule has never allowed her the extra time to trek out to the sanctuary. I am sure that Foxie would absolutely love her.
Arlene and Michael says
Oh how fabulous to see Dr. Goodall in person, I have not had that pleasure yet. She is definitely the voice of inspiration and hope. Thank you for sharing?