Jane Goodall encourages Oregon students to make a difference in their community
PORTLAND, Ore. (KGW) -- On Friday, acclaimed conservationist Jane Goodall made a stop in Portland to speak with students about conservation and how they can get involved in their communities.
"These events are now happening all over the world, and the students come and they make their presentations from the little ones to the university students," she said, "It's always one of my reasons for hope because they're so passionate, and they're so excited about the difference they're making."
Students from elementary to high school gathered in the Lincoln High School auditorium to share their research and sustainability efforts, as part of Goodall's worldwide Roots & Shoots youth-action program that began more than three decades ago.
After decades of researching chimpanzees and advocating for the environment, she told KGW that her work — to inspire action and inspire other — isn't over.
"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," Goodall said. "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 in here. It's making a difference, right? Otherwise, I wouldn't do it."
After presentations, she gave a speech to the students, encouraging them to keep working to make a difference.
"You're my main reason for hope because you're learning about the importance of respecting the environment and respecting each other," she told them.
Goodall's ties to Portland, more specifically the Oregon Zoo, date back to the 70s and 80s, with her connection to the chimpanzees there inspiring the designs of the zoo's Primate Forest habitat, which opened back in 2020.
