In July 1960, Jane Goodall began her landmark study of chimpanzee behavior in what is now Tanzania’s Gombe National Park. Her field study provided the foundation for future primatological research and redefined the relationship between humans and animals. In 1977, she established the Jane Goodall Institute, which continues the Gombe research and is a global leader in the effort to protect chimpanzees and their habitats. The institute is also widely recognized for innovative, community-centered conservation and development programs in Africa and Jane Goodall’s Roots & Shoots. Goodall travels about 300 days per year, speaking about the threats facing chimpanzees, other environmental crises, and her reasons for hope that humankind will solve the problems it has imposed on the Earth.

Her honors include with the French Legion of Honor, the Medal of Tanzania and Japan’s prestigious Kyoto Prize. For 10 years, she has served as a U.N. Messenger of Peace, and in 2003, she was named a Dame of the British Empire.

Goodall’s appearance is the sixth in the Living Peace Series co-sponsored by UCI and the Center for Living Peace Orange County, which has included talks by the Dalai Lama, Sir Richard Branson, Charlize Theron and, most recently, Queen Noor of Jordan.

10/02/2012

Renowned primatologist and conservationist Jane Goodall, founder of the Jane Goodall Institute and U.N. Messenger of Peace, will share her experiences and her concerns about the threats facing the planet in a speech entitled “Making a Difference.”

UC Irvine Student Center, Pacific Ballroom (grid E8, bldg. 113 on campus map)

6:30 p.m.

In addition to the talk, a day of service is planned for Sunday, Sept. 23, at the Center for Living Peace Orange County to celebrate Goodall’s life and work as well as the United Nations International Day of Peace. Between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., young people ages 11 to 22 from across the Southland will gather to learn about Jane Goodall’s Roots & Shoots, the Jane Goodall Institute’s global environmental and humanitarian youth program designed to bring about positive change. Participants will build and fly the giant peace dove puppets emblematic of Roots & Shoots. Information about press coverage is available at the Center for Living Peace, 949-854-5500.