A REMARKABLE WOMAN
Half a century after she began studying chimpanzees in Africa, Jane Goodall returned to her home in England. But this doesn't mean that the famous zoologist began living a quiet life. On the contrary. Recently, at the age of 86, she was interviewed by the New York Times. And until the current pandemic limited her activities, Goodall spent her days traveling all over the world, trying to convince people to become environmental activists.(lines 1–5)
As a child Goodall loved animals and always dreamed of living in a faraway land, observing wild animals and learning about their behavior. Then, in her early twenties, she took a boat to Africa, planning to stay with a friend for a few months. While she was there she met the world-famous scientist, Louis Leakey. Impressed by her enthusiasm and intelligence, Leakey offered Goodall a job observing chimpanzees in their natural surroundings. "I couldn't believe my luck," she says. "It was such a wonderful opportunity." She happily accepted Leakey's offer, and ended up staying in Africa for almost 40 years.(lines 6–11)
In 1986 Goodall's life completely changed direction. While attending a conference, she learned about the extent of the ecological crisis threatening the planet. "When I realized how serious the situation was, I felt I had to do something," she says. "But I knew even then that there is no use fighting to save the environment if the next generation doesn't carry on the struggle." So in 1991 Goodall started an organization which is dedicated to getting youngsters involved in local conservation projects. Thanks to her tireless efforts, it now has thousands of members in over 100 countries worldwide.(lines 12–17)
This year marks sixty years since Goodall began her scientific work. In the past, a major TV series was made about her achievements. In addition, a film about her life was shown in cinemas around the world. Its title, Jane's Journey, perfectly sums up the story of this remarkable woman.(lines 18–20)