Dr. Goodall: Please join Roots & Shoots, and learn about chimps, and become a guardian. Check it out on the website, http://www.rootsandshoots.org.
Monkey Lover: Would you be able to come give a talk at Doerre Intermediate School in Houston?
Dr. Goodall: I am coming to Houston in the spring, but my schedule is absolutely full. Thousands of schools want Dr. Jane, so usually I go to schools that have very strong Roots & Shoots programs.
Fashing: I have worked with animals most of my life, including zookeeper at two zoos where I was zookeeper for the primates. I only have a high school education. How can I get involved with a field study? Is this not possible because of my lack of education?
Dr. Goodall: It would probably be possible to work in a primate sanctuary in various countries around the world.
Ecojas: After your visit to Gombe, what do you perceive the bushmeat trading situation to be currently? In addition to the chimpanzee sanctuaries, what else can we do from here to educate the native people about the value of subsistence agriculture and conservation of their native species?
Dr. Goodall: JGI has a program called TACARE, which improves the lives of about 1500 people living around Gombe National Park. This includes education, but also tries to empower women, increase their chance of education. As women become more educated, family size drops. Conservation is almost impossible without the goodwill of the local people. The TACARE program is on our website.
Rufus5: Many environmentalists say the war is being lost — what do you think?
Dr. Goodall: I think we are approaching a point of no return, but we're not there yet. The worst problem is we fall into apathy and give up and lose hope. Only if we all take action can we reverse the trends. We must stop relying on politics and politicians, and get into the act ourselves. The power of youth once empowered and taking action is phenomenal, and is one of my strongest reasons for hope. Also, if we consider the human brain and what we can do and the extraordinary advances we have made in improving technology, now we must persuade people to use the new technology. Another reason for hope is the amazing resilience of nature. Many environments can be restored, and many animal species can be brought back from the brink of extinction. Finally, I meet so many incredible and amazing people who have this indomitable spirit that will not accept defeat. This is the path we must take.
