San Pedro Welcomes Jane Goodall

And Friends Bono, Betty White, and Others

Jane Goodall kisses female chimpanzee Tess. (Photo Credit: AP)

The Warner Grand Theater of San Pedro, California rang in the New Year on Jan. 4 with an enchanted evening with the infamous primatologist Jane Goodall. The theater, which has decreased in popularity with the local community over the years since opening in 1931, received a full house with a sold out theater. All proceeds from the night went directly to the Jane Goodall Institute. The organization seeks to aware those of and helps those in diminishing environments and lands.

 In addition to Jane, other performances and speakers such as a South African drums healing band, Bono, Bradley Trevor Greive, Betty White, and one of the first participants in California in Jane’s Roots and Shoots program appeared for the night. Did I mention Bono was there? The lead singer of U2, who is well known for his numerous philanthropic work, lended a helping hand for Jane’s cause by singing “With or Without You” and “One Love”. Introduced as “the man who needs no introduction”, the surprise guest spoke no words besides singing and strumming along acoustically to his two hits yet received a loud applause by the audience.

Other planned guests also received a warm reception as Bradley Trevor Greive and Betty White humorously talked about their love for animals and their support for Jane and her foundation. Betty best said why Jane’s work matters, stating, “It’s so important because if people don’t know they can’t help.”

Lastly, the celebrated guest arrived on stage discussing how she became exactly what she is: primatologist, conservationist, UN Peace ambassador and supporter for a better world for ourselves and the animals around us. Here are the key points of Jane’s speech:

1.            It is not too late to help the earth and to help the suffering lands, people, and animals from what humanity itself has done to them. Plants and animals are resilient.

2.            Chimpanzees are very similar to human beings in obvious ways. Yet the way we process knowledge is far more advance than any other species.

3.            Your families and the support of your mother are very important. As Jane related stories about her own mother who accompanied to Tanzania with her on her first study alone and a chimp named Satan whose ancient mother still protected her son at an old age, the theme was apparent through the evening. Jane stated, “In the animal kingdom as well as among humans there are good mothers and there are bad mothers. And the profits of the child well-raised of a good mother are enormous.”

4.            We work best together. To help save diminishing environments and our world for future generations we must work with one another to make a difference.

The night itself was wonderful and eye opening. Though there is not enough room to expand more on the topic, please watch the following videos for sneak peeks of the night. Also, follow the link for more information on Jane and her institute.

http://www.janegoodall.org/