Thousands Flock to Dr. Jane Goodall’s Lectures Around the U.S. To Hear Her Words of Wisdom About Conservation

Rockstars aren't the only ones that draw thousands of people to large venues just to hear their voices. At age 90, famed conservationist Dr. Jane Goodall has just gone on a U.S. tour, speaking in front of large crowds about her lifelong mission to protect vulnerable species and ecosystems, as well as her hopes for the future. With crowds that range from the very young to those her age, people were eager to hear the storied primatologist firsthand.

When asked about what drives her to continue advocating for nature and touring the world, Goodall told The Tampa Bay Times, “I do this because so many children are losing hope. And if they all lose hope, we’ve had it. What’s the point of doing something if you feel that it’s hopeless?”

During her stop in St.Petersburg, Florida, Goodall, looked back at her childhood and youth. The primatologist shared how seeing hens lay eggs sparked her curiosity. As did her first months in Africa, where chimpanzees used to run away from her at the beginning. Goodall was so young then, that her mother joined her for a while.

“To see all the young people who are excited to be here and maybe they're going to learn and gain some conservation and environmental skills. It's just really hopeful to me,” said Donna Woods, a woman who attended the lecture at Tropicana Field. Meanwhile, Nancy Strever, who majored in Animal Studies and Biology, was excited to see her hero, saying, “I know a lot of people tell her that she changed their lives, but she made mine. She probably has the most influence on who I am today as a person, and what I hope to do. She is one of the truly good people in this world.”

At the conference, Goodall said, “People often ask me if I still have hope. My main reason for hope is all of you young people. What you are doing is making a difference. My other reason for hope is human intellect. It is completely stupid that the most intellectual creature to walk the planet is destroying it.”

An Instagram reel chronicling her time during the lecture includes a message in the caption that reads: “With almost 8,000 of you in the audience, this is an amazing opportunity for 8,000 small steps to create a better world! Every individual can make a difference, no matter how big or small the action. Now’s the time to put that hope into action—because together, those little steps add up.”

To stay up to date with the beloved primatologist, you can follow Dr. Jane Goodall on Instagram.

At age 90, Dr. Jane Goodall has just gone on a U.S. tour, speaking in front of large crowds about her lifelong mission to protect vulnerable species and ecosystems.

During the conference, Goodall said, “People often ask me if I still have hope. My main reason for hope is all of you young people. What you are doing is making a difference.

Dr. Jane Goodall: Website | Instagram
h/t: [WFTS]

Related Articles:

Jane Goodall’s 90th Birthday Is Celebrated With 90 Photos by 90 Female Photographers

Mattel Releases Jane Goodall Barbie Doll Made of Recycled Plastic

Jane Goodall Narrates Beautiful Animated Poem About Saving Earth

Jane Goodall Asks Public to Rethink Treatment of Animals and to Ban Wildlife Trade

Regina Sienra

Regina Sienra is a Staff Writer at My Modern Met. Based in Mexico City, Mexico, she holds a bachelor’s degree in Communications with specialization in Journalism from the National Autonomous University of Mexico. She has 10+ years’ experience in Digital Media, writing for outlets in both English and Spanish. Her love for the creative arts—especially music and film—drives her forward every day.
Become a
My Modern Met Member
As a member, you'll join us in our effort to support the arts.
Become a Member
Explore member benefits

Sponsored Content