Dr. Jane Goodall, born on April 3, 1934, has inspired countless people around the world (including Patrick McDonnell and the rest of us at Team MUTTS) through her advocacy for animal welfare and environmental conservation.
In honor of her 86th birthday, we’re celebrating her impact and achievements — from revolutionizing the way we view animal behavior and sentience to leading a global organization committed to protecting the animal kingdom and our natural world.
Have you been inspired by Jane? If so, you can share your stories with her! Our friends at the Jane Goodall Institute are collecting messages from people around the world, and you can submit yours here. You can also join the conversation on social media by using the hashtag #becauseofJane.
Below is Patrick’s message (and a birthday card) for Jane on this special day.
“Every day I think of Jane, her optimism and hope. Jane’s determination to help our planet and all its inhabitants inspires my MUTTS comic strip and, of course, my picture book biography of her childhood, Me…Jane. She has greatly influenced me to do more. And we can all do more. Because of Jane the world is a better place.”
In this challenging time, we are also heeding Dr. Goodall’s wise words regarding the current state of the world. In an interview with the New York Times, she reflects on her past achievements and on the importance of keeping a sense of humor while self-isolating.
Additionally, in a video posted on YouTube and Facebook, Jane spoke from her home in England, sharing her thoughts about the COVID-19 virus (including the importance of social distancing) and offering a message of hope that, together, we will get through this difficult time.
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