Renowned conservationist Dr. Jane Goodall graced Portland with her presence on Friday, engaging with students from various Oregon schools.
Following her talk, she answered questions from The Oregonian/OregonLive and other media outlets.
Goodall, who is best known for her groundbreaking study of chimpanzees at Gombe Stream National Park in Tanzania, has emerged as a global ambassador for conservation efforts.
She conveys a message of hope for animals, people, and the environment in today’s era of climate change.
When asked how to encourage individuals who have lost hope regarding climate change, Goodall shared her perspective.
“When people come to me and they’ve lost hope, the main thing is OK, you can’t solve the problems of the world, but you can do something in your own community,” she said.
“And get other people to join you. Then they can see it does make a difference. But it does mean we’ve got to get together now. Why do you think I go on trailing around at 91? I mean, you saw the reaction of the kids. It’s making a difference, right? Otherwise, I wouldn’t do it.”
Goodall also provided her insights on how institutions such as universities, states, and cities can continue to pursue climate and environmental justice initiatives despite the policy changes and funding cutbacks instituted by the Trump administration.
“You can call it climate resilience, don’t mention climate change. And just go on doing what you do,” she advised.
“Too many institutions are capitulating. Too many politicians who actually don’t agree with some of the things Trump says are afraid, they’re afraid of losing their jobs. When the university is told that it can no longer have a policy of inclusion, that it will lose its funding if it does, then there’s an ethical dilemma, should they capitulate, or should they think about the students that they’re responsible for?”
The discussion then turned to the Oregon Health & Science University and the ethical considerations surrounding its primate research center, which houses thousands of monkeys and baboons used for medical research and testing.
Goodall did not mince her words.
“I ask it right now, to the camera, to each camera, shut it down. You know, the people making the cages, the caregivers, the jailers who make sure the animals stay alive, the veterinarians who work there, the people doing all that research using animals, it’s a huge business. And that’s why the alternatives are not being funded.”
As for her thoughts on the Oregon Zoo and her special connection with the chimpanzees there, Goodall reflected on the significant changes she has observed over the years.
“I met three of the chimpanzees at the Oregon Zoo when they were young and I visited them often. There are now two; one has died. In my time, I’ve seen zoos change from prisons, really bad prisons, to what many of them are today, which are really good environments.
They offer enrichment programs to animals.”
Goodall’s support played an instrumental role in the Portland zoo’s efforts to secure funding for a large outdoor area for the chimpanzees, as well as the design of its Primate Forest habitat that opened in 2020.
In her closing remarks, Goodall delivered a powerful message to Oregonians.
“Never forget that every single day you live, you make an impact on the planet, so choose wisely. What do you buy? How was it made? Did it harm the environment? Was it cruel to animals, like a factory farm?
Is it cheap because of unfair wages? If so, find a more ethically made product. Will it cost a bit more? Probably, but then you will value it more. So much of this cheap stuff you don’t really value and you throw it away and buy again. If you value it more, you will waste less. And waste is a huge problem around the world. So think about what you do every day.”
The conversation—an inspiring blend of optimism and urgency—highlighted the continuing importance of individual action and collective responsibility in addressing climate change and animal welfare.
image source from：https://www.oregonlive.com/environment/2025/04/5-questions-for-jane-goodall-on-hope-the-oregon-primate-lab-and-trump-cuts.html
