Jane Goodall is definitely a hero of mine. What she has done for science, animals, and humans is nothing short of incredible. She really one of the scientists that opened our eyes to emotions in animals. Her research of the chimpanzees through the lens of a person with empathy provided such insights. She pushed the barriers of what science in relation to animals looks like. She has inspired hundreds of thousands of children and adults around the world. She commands respect wherever she goes because of who she is and what she shares. She inspires us with her messages of hope. And, she does a mean impersonation of a chimp.
I considered myself lucky to have met her after her talk at Salem State University almost 20 years ago–I bought the premium ticket. (Doesn’t seen like that long ago!) Then a couple years later when I was on the Board of the American Cetacean Society (ACS), I had the privilege of going whale watching with her. ACS and the Jane Goodall Institute were going to do a joint fundraiser. In the end, they decided it was going to be a day off for Jane, and there were only going to be 50 tickets sold. So, Joe and I booked our tickets to fly to CA on a Friday, go whale watching Saturday and come home Sunday. I have to say, it was totally worth it. She had never seen whales before–she had seen dolphins, but never whales. We broke the record for the number of species we saw on the boat that day–8 species. We had 10-15 blue whales, a gorgeous June day, and the chance to mingle with Jane Goodall. It is still one of the best whale watches of all time.
I have been listening to her Hopecast lately and also happened to watch, on Facebook live, the 30th anniversary of Roots and Shoots. She said something that resonated with me because it’s exactly what I’ve been thinking about as well. She said when we “think globally, act locally”, we can get so overwhelmed by all the bad things humans are doing to the Earth. But, if we switch the order, it makes a big difference. When young people act locally (do a beach clean up, or stop using plastic water bottles), they see that they make a difference. Then when they think about all the other kids around the world also doing projects, they can think about the bigger difference they are all making. The thought bridge I made a month ago represents the same thing. Starting small–acting locally, and then getting bigger and bigger with one’s thinking and action (and realizing that many kids are doing the same thing), That’s what leads to global change.
If you have a minute, maybe you can reread that blog and think about filling in the thought/action bridge and see what you can create! In the words of Jane Goodall,
“Together we can, together we will!”
At The Whalemobile, we believe people protect what they understand—so we bring ocean science to life through stories, hands-on learning, and by bringing a life-sized whale in schools and libraries. To learn more about our programs, visit our website at www.thewhalemobile.com.