Dr. Jane Goodall Speaks to Students at UMass Dartmouth

A sold out crowd of over 1,600 people filled UMass Dartmouth's Tripp Athletic Center Thursday evening as Dr. Jane Goodall delivered a lecture about her studies around the world and the importance of preserving the world we live in.

The world-renowned ethologist, conservationist and UN Messenger of Peace is best known for her landmark study of chimpanzees in what is now Tanzania. While she did talk about her research, she also focused on the close ties between the primates and humans.

While humans are often seen as the most intelligent species, Goodall challanged that assertion by pointing out humans are the only ones that are destroying their own way of life.

"How is it possible, with our big brains, that we're destroying the planet?," she asked. "I think there's been a disconnect between this very clever brain and the human heart. That's love and compassion."

Much of her lecture revolved around making the world a better place to inhabit, and her hopefullness that the younger generation will see to it.

A majority of the crowd was made up of students from local elementary, middle and high schools along with college students.

Goodall noted that with the continued advancement in technology, it is much easier to organize global activism for those who can't speak for themselves.

"We may feel depressed about something horrible, but now we have this power to bring other people who care together and we've got this amazing ability to speak and to discuss, which other animals don't have," Goodall said.

Prior to the lecture, over 20 groups, organizations and individuals showcased their sustanability and eco-friendly projects and got to meet Goodall personally.

Later, winners of an essay contest at the elementary, middle school, high school and college levels had the chance to have dinner with Goodall.