Dr. Jane Goodall, DBE visits Chimps Incorporated and Bend, Oregon for the very first time!

The community of Bend, Oregon had the extraordinary privilege of hosting renowned primatologist Dr. Jane Goodall, DBE on April 17, 2005. For Dr. Goodall, who travels an average of 300 days per year, it was a first in Central Oregon. For more than 40 years her research with wild chimpanzees has been the leading influence amongst studies in that field. In addition, she has tirelessly promoted environmental conservation around the globe. Chimps Incorporated, a nonprofit sanctuary that provides a home for four rescued chimpanzees, two Siberian lynx and a snow leopard was the primary enthusiast and promoter for Dr. Goodall?s sanctuary visit and public speech.

Dr. Goodall was welcomed at the airport by a local 6th grade class from Sisters Middle School. They flew a giant peace dove that was sighted from the air before the plane had landed. Dr. Jane Goodall has been granted the UN Messenger of Peace title and the giant peace dove puppets are a symbol of international peace. These particular 6th grade students are participants in her Roots and Shoots initiative. Roots and Shoots was founded by Jane Goodall to inspire youth of all ages to become involved with their community and to encourage each individual that they do make a difference. Each group implements hands-on learning projects for the care and concern of animals, the environment and the human community.

Chimps Inc four chimp residents, Topo, Patti, Herbie, and Kimie greeted Dr. Goodall with big pant hoots. Ever vigilant and protective of his home, the alpha male Topo, proceeded with his rhythmic drumming on the side of one enclosure. Dr. Goodall was so impressed by his consistent beating that she asked to have a recording of his display.

Herbie, a 200 pound, 20 year old male chimp known for his impressive displays and bravado, was calm and demure in the presence of Dr. Goodall. He delicately groomed her head and kindly accepted the dandelions she handed to him. Herbie honored her by offering her a baseball cap to wear; Dr. Goodall obliged and played peek-a-boo with him. Herbie sat awestruck and signed that he was a ?Good boy? to her. Perhaps Herbie recognized Dr. Jane Goodall from the videos he watches in the chimp house or perhaps Dr. Jane Goodall truly has an unexplained connection with animals. Nevertheless, the caretakers who saw Herbie interact with Dr. Goodall have never seen Herbie so mesmerized and captivated by any human being as they saw him with Dr. Goodall.

Kimie, the youngest chimpanzee at Chimps Inc., demonstrated her agility and athleticism by scaling the 30-foot climbing structure located in the one outdoor habitat. She swung from ropes and cargo nets to impress the small group of people on the tour.

As all the Chimps tried to seek out their finest talents and skills to impress the audience Patti resorted to her artistic abilities. Patti truly brought new meaning to face painting by smearing her face with bright blue non-toxic children?s paint. But she couldn?t keep it all in one spot, as we discovered when she turned to leave and showed us a true blue moon. Later, during the community speech, Dr. Goodall spoke highly of our four chimpanzees personalities and their excellent living conditions.

Though Dr. Goodall is best known for her work with wild chimpanzees, she now strives to spread a message of peace, environmental conservation and compassion for all living things through her educational speeches. She profoundly stated that the enthusiasm with which her message is received, particularly by young people, means that there is indeed hope for the earth?s ecosystems and its inhabitants. In an uncommon gesture, Dr. Goodall asked all the team members of Chimps Inc. to join her onstage and form a chain of hands. The audience followed suit, and the auditorium was united by a dramatic show of solidarity.

If you are interested in becoming a leader of a Roots and Shoots group please log onto www.rootsandshoots.org or www.janegoodall.org. Also, Chimps Incorporated gives educational talks about chimpanzees and conservation to any local organized function. To learn more about this opportunity please call us at 541-330-8159.