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.