by Lisa J. Tabet
Daily Lobo
World-renowned researcher, activist and chimpanzee expert Jane Goodall came to Albuquerque Monday to speak about peace and her internationally famous life's work in Africa studying and protecting the endangered species.
"We are different from the animal kingdom not in kind, but degree," Goodall said at an Albuquerque Convention Center lecture in the Kiva Auditorium.
Goodall's work with the chimpanzees of the Tanzania Gombe National Park has been cited as the center of chimpanzee research. That legacy of field study has taken her across Africa and beyond during her 40 years as a researcher.
Get content from The Daily Lobo delivered to your inbox
Her visit to Albuquerque comes after her return to the United States as a lecturer educating the country regarding chimpanzees and their struggle to survive.
During a press conference earlier in the day at the New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science, Goodall said that the Bush administration is reversing environmental policies established by previous presidential administrations.
Goodall, appointed a Messenger of Peace in 2002 by United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan, said changes are "quietly being slipped in while the country is at war."
U.N. messengers of peace help mobilize public efforts to implement peace initiatives, including advocating against war and protecting the environment.
When asked about the peace initiatives throughout the world, Goodall said that most people want peace.
"Go out and show you care, write to your congressmen," she told listeners. "Peace will come again."
Later on Monday, Goodall spoke to a crowd of about 200 middle and high school students from around the state. The talk consisted of stories from her work in Africa and carried a hopeful message. While discussing the war in Iraq, she told the students "there will be peace again and we need to be ready for it. Our voices count."
Patricia Palafox traveled from El Paso, Texas to attend Goodall's talk.
"Her message is very inspiring, especially in times like these."
