Author: Ashley Sullivan

When I saw the photographs of Wounda, as she came to the (JGI’s Tchimpounga) sanctuary, I didn’t see how she could have possibly have lived. And it was thanks to Rebeca (Dr. Rebeca Atencia, head of JGI Congo & Tchimpounga), entirely thanks to Rebeca, that she survived.  – Dr. Jane Goodall As Dr. Jane Goodall discovered nearly 60 years ago, chimpanzees are so like us; complex and intelligent beings sharing much of our emotions like fear, compassion, and love. When considering these traits, one chimpanzee in particular stands out: Her name is Wounda. You may have seen Wounda in the…

Every single day, Dr. Goodall and the staff of the Jane Goodall Institute hear stories about how Dr. Goodall’s life, work and message have caused them to take action or feel moved in some way. The stories speak of what can be accomplished today for a more harmonious planet where humans, other animals and the environment live in harmony. What if we could amplify these stories and make that future a reality? In honor of the Jane Goodall Institute’s 40th anniversary, Jane Goodall’s Hope in Action campaign calls upon people everywhere who have been inspired in some way by Dr.…

https://youtu.be/HdYfhPPBt0E We’re inspired by Dr. Goodall’s vision for a world where people, other animals, and the environment live in harmony. Today, we’re taking the vision of our founder, our mission, to new heights! By protecting chimpanzees and inspiring people to conserve the natural world we all share, we improve the lives of people, animals and the environment. Everything is connected—everyone can make a difference. Jane blazed the trail…the next steps are up to you! www.janegoodall.org  Make a difference with JGI: bit.ly/helpjgi  Follow us on Social: Twitter & Instagram @janegoodallinst Facebook.com/janegoodall Facebook.com/janegoodallinst Credits: Andy Nelson Chase Pickering Dave Siddon/Leakey Foundation Google…

Communities and protected area rangers around the globe are struggling to conserve and better manage their natural resources while facing numerous threats. As the disconnect between attainable action to protect nature is ever widening, it is essential that we use technology to analyze and deliver information quickly to support conservation decisions – more quickly than forests can be destroyed. Today, in response to this ever important challenge, we at the Jane Goodall Institute are pleased to share the Forest Watcher mobile app developed in partnership with World Resources Institute and Global Forest Watch! The Forest Watcher mobile app brings online…

The power of a single story is immeasurable. When a young 26 year old woman from England traveled to Tanzania to study wild animals and share their stories, she transformed our understanding of our relationship to non-human animals, and what was possible for a woman in science, or in general. The reverberations of her story have echoed endlessly and caused the emergence of a generation of compassionate people willing to take action for the planet we all share. Now, we’re sharing those stories. In honor of the Jane Goodall Institute’s 40th anniversary, the Hope in Action campaign calls upon people…

They may not have the cute faces of animals we typically feel a connection to, but these animals are calling out for our help. The recent film Chasing Coral takes viewers on an underwater journey to demonstrate coral bleaching due to climate change. The reality of the devastation happening to ocean ecosystems is grim, but the film delivers beauty along with an overall message about the one thing most important of all – hope. We were grateful to speak with director and producer, Jeff Orlowski — who is a friend of Dr. Jane Goodall — about the film and his…

The images Dr. Jane Goodall brought the world connected (and still do connect, nearly 60 years later) millions of people with the special spirit of the forest, and the wild, wonderful chimpanzees of Gombe. Her scientific discoveries in Gombe shattered our notions around what it means to be human, and more importantly, what it means to be a part of the larger, intricate web of life. To honor the profound essence of the work of Dr. Goodall, and the majesty of the jungle she showed the world, Bruce Lawes has used this inspiration to create a miraculous piece of art called…

Last year, we shared a story about an incredible person named Keith Bitamazire. At the age of 24, Keith Bitamazire had an experience in Kenya that inspired him to do something about saving forests. He hated the country’s climate because it was very hot and believed it was as a result of not having enough trees. He never wanted the same to happen in Uganda, especially in the region where he would settle. Today, Keith is one of the private forest owners in Masindi, one of the Bunyoro districts that the Jane Goodall Institute (JGI) is working with to ensure that he keeps…

In an era of flash and flamboyance on film, it is easy to overlook the ever impressive task of transforming what’s real, into what extends beyond the possible for the big screen. For Dan Lemmon, this undertaking has been the primary focus from almost the beginning of his life. As Visual Effects Supervisor at Weta Digital, this task is pushed to its furthest limits. Dan’s repertoire is remarkable even by industry insider standards, leading effects on films such as Lord of the Rings, Fight Club, and Avatar, among others. His day to day has Dan zooming in on the question:…

Many of us have likely visited a zoo as a young person or with children, and for most this experience is the first time we encounter many animals from across the world. These establishments range in their care and housing of their residents; while some are not so great, others excel and often give back in profound ways to conservation efforts. More often than not, caretakers are devoted and passionate about the well-being of the captive animals, providing the best possible environments and support for these beings. What we may not think about on these excursions however, is how much…