The Jane Goodall Institute's Maureen Smith Participates in WashingtonPost.com Live Chat

Dr. Jane Goodall began her groundbreaking study of chimpanzee behavior 50 years ago today, when she arrived at what is today Tanzania's Gombe National Park.

Maureen Smith of the Jane Goodall Institute took questions about Goodall, her mission and the scientific and social impact of her research.

Chat transcript is below:

Does Dr. Goodall have any new TV projects in the works?

A.Maureen Smith writes:
Dr. Goodall will be featured in an episode of the ICONOCLASTS series on the Sundance Channel this fall. The show was filmed recently at Tchimpounga, our chimpanzee sanctuary in Congo. Jane’s guest for the filming was Oscar winner (and South African) Charlize Theron.

And, Jane is also the subject of what is probably the most comprehensive documentary film ever made about her life. The film is called JANE'S JOURNEY and it premieres on August 26th in Berlin.

Q.Jane Goodall
Where is Dr. Goodall today and how is she marking the 50th anniversary?

A.Maureen Smith writes:
Dr. Goodall has spent the past several days back at Gombe -- where it all began. She visited with close friends and the staff, then spent private time on a hike to the mountain top known as Jane's Peak. Later today she will be attending celebratory events with local (Tanzanian) groups from Jane Goodall's Roots & Shoots, the Jane Goodall Institute's global youth program.

I hope to chat with her via Skype later today.

Q.What's next?
With Jane being an older woman now, what is next for the Institute and what are you working on domestically? Thanks!

A.Maureen Smith writes:
Dr. Goodall continues to tour as part of the Gombe 50 celebration. In fact, she'll be back in the United States in October and you can see where she will be lecturing by visiting www.janegoodall.org. Domestically, we are working with her to expand Jane Goodall's Roots & Shoots, our global environmental and humanitarian youth program while also generating awareness and support for our community-based conservation initiatives in Africa. Dr. Goodall feels her legacy is the work being done in the field to carry on her mission and the efforts of Roots & Shoots members making a difference around the world every day.

Q.50 years
What do you believe is the most significant accomplishment the Jane Goodall Institute has had over the past 50 years?

A.Maureen Smith writes:
The Institute was founded in 1977. Over past 3o plus years, we feel one of our most significant achievements is our integrated approach to conservation, which entails respecting the needs of local people living alongside chimpanzee habitat so that they can become our partners in conservation. We believe that this holistic approach is the best way forward as the world's population grows and natural resources are stretched.

Q.Washington, D.C.
I saw Dr Goodall in a store in New York in April and was taken by how incredibly shy and self effacing she was, as it didn't occur to me until later that it was she. Does she often get that reaction?

A.Maureen Smith writes:
Actually she does. But you would be surprised how excited people get when they see her and how many folks feel an instant connection to her when they meet. She's like a rock star. She also has a terrific sense of humor.

Q.Other animals
Does Dr. Goodall focus on research of other animals or strictly chimpanzees?

A.Maureen Smith writes:
Our efforts focus primarily on chimpanzees. But our work protecting chimpanzees has an impact on all the species living in their habitat.

Q.Children - Roots & Shoots
How can children and their schools learn more about the Roots & Shoots program and get involved at a local level?

A.Maureen Smith writes:
Please visit our website www.rootsandshoots.org to learn more.

Q.Dr.Jane Goodall
It is a great achievement, and a lot of work by her and her team all working together to help save the chimpanzees. I am sure there are still many that are desperate for help.Are there any more Chimpanzees at the moment in the process of being rescued by JGI? Does Dr. Goodall have any plans to do any lectures/talks over here in the UK at all? Many Thanks.

A.Maureen Smith writes:
JGI manages the largest chimpanzee sanctuary in Africa, the Tchimpounga Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Center. The residents are orphan chimps, victims of the illegal commercial bushmeat trade, who have been rescued by local authorities. To learn more about Jane's work in the United Kingdom, please check out JGI UK online.

Q.Dr. Goodall
Is Dr. Goodall still very much involved in the day to day research of chimpanzees?

A.Maureen Smith writes:
Since 1986, Dr. Goodall has been traveling the world almost 300 days a year, spreading the word about the threats facing chimpanzees and our planet, and encouraging people, including youth, to take action on behalf of people, animals and the environment we all share. While isn't involved in research on the ground on a daily basis, she does contribute to papers generated for data gathered at Gombe.

Q.Dr. Goodall
What is the most significant change in researching chimpanzees over the past 50 years?

A.Maureen Smith writes:
In last week's edition of the scientific journal Nature, Dr. Goodall talked about all of the changes in technology and science since she first began her field study in 1960. When she arrived, she brought only a notebook and binoculars. Today, JGI is using geospatial technology to understand how humans and chimpanzees can coexist. We are also using DNA analyses of fecal samples to understand issues like paternity and transmission of disease.

Q.Habitat Conservation and Restoration
I have been an ardent fan of Dr. Goodall's ever since I was 10 and first read about her and chimpanzees of Gombe.

My question is: given such depressing news about the loss of critical wild habitat all over the world over the last few decades, culminating with the terrible BP spill taking place right now in the Gulf, I would like to hear about some real success stories - habitat conservation and restoration -- especially in the eyes of people who live closest to those regions. And how do we replicate those examples? Thank you.

A.Maureen Smith writes:
Dr. Goodall inspires people around the world to have hope and not give up in the face of so many troubling issues. Through Jane Goodall's Roots & Shoots, our global youth program, we've seen how young people can make a difference. Check out www.rootsandshoots.org to hear about their amazing successes.

Q.Endangered species
I appreciate what Jane Goodall and others are doing to help endangered species. Would you please comment on some of her efforts and help inform people on the benefits of studying animals to learn to protect the environment for all, including humans.

A.Maureen Smith writes:
Every day at the Jane Goodall Institute we carry out Dr. Goodall's vision, through research, community-centered conservation and our global youth program. To spread her message, Dr. Goodall lectures around the world and the Institute raises awareness through media (just like this chat), advocacy and social networking ... follow us on Twitter.