Dr. Jane Goodall graces Andover

When Dr. Jane Goodall stepped to the podium in Cochran Chapel amidst a standing ovation, no one could have expected the way she’d greet her audience; With huffs and howls, she bellowed a dramatic chimp call that began in low breathy grunts before turning into an urgent staccato of shrieks. A good number of audience responded in kind, with the call, she then explained, meant I’m here.

From that point on, Goodall had not only the audience’s rapt attention, but also their hearts.

The iconic primatologist spoke for more than 90 minutes, bouncing between anecdotes from the field and hard facts on the state of our planet, interspersing it all with charming and inspiring stories about her childhood, her time in Tanzania’s Gombe National Park, and ways that children can start changing the world now through her global Roots & Shoots program.

Her message remained clear: we must and can do more to protect our environment and all living things inhabiting it.

As an added surprise, Gunga, Andover’s unofficial ape mascot, joined an amused Goodall onstage and led everyone in singing “Happy Birthday” to celebrate her recently turning 82.

Watch her full presentation below.

Dr. Jane Goodall’s visit was made possible by the generosity of Joe Tatelbaum ’78.