Dr. Jane Goodall headlines Lincoln Park Zoo fundraiser

Lincoln Park Zoo welcomed Dr. Jane Goodall to its Women Supporting Wildlife Luncheon, hosted by the zoo’s Women’s Board. The Sept. 11 event at the Hilton Chicago raised more than $600,000 to support the zoo’s animal care, welfare, conservation and learning programs.

During the luncheon, Dr. Goodall joined Dr. Megan Ross, Ph.D., President and CEO of Lincoln Park Zoo, for an hour-long onstage conversation. They discussed themes of hope, youth engagement and wildlife conservation, highlighting Dr. Goodall’s message that caring for animals and caring for people are deeply intertwined.

Dr. Goodall appeared alongside “Mr. H (Hope),” her stuffed monkey mascot, which she uses to symbolize the indomitable spirit she believes people and nature can embody.

Reflecting on how her passion began, Dr. Goodall said that a Tarzan book she read at age 10 sparked her lifelong fascination with animals. She quipped, “Tarzan married the wrong Jane.” Her humor and passion were evident in every comment. She has been a researcher for 65 years, starting in Gombe with only a notebook, used binoculars and a pencil.

She shared how early in her career she was advised never to attribute personality or emotion to animals; as a scientist she must remain an impartial observer. Dr. Goodall told the audience that her dog taught her otherwise.  

She urged the audience to reflect on how humans treat their planet and each other, reminding them: “A wise creature doesn’t destroy its home and humans are destroying theirs as we speak.” She noted that humans share about 88.9% of their DNA with chimpanzees, underscoring how closely linked we really are.

At the event, Lincoln Park Zoo presented the inaugural Susan L. Regenstein Award for Conservation Leadership, to Chicago philanthropist,  conservationist and longtime zoo supporter, Susan L. Regenstein.  Dr. Goodall received the Women Supporting Wildlife Award. 

Dr. Goodall’s long relationship with the zoo was also highlighted. In 1986 she attended a major conference titled “Understanding Chimpanzees,” hosted in Lincoln Park, which helped focus her shift from traditional field research to advocacy for the ethical treatment of chimpanzees. Since then, she has become one of the world’s most prominent voices for conservation, inspiring countless individuals to action.

Dr. Ross praised Dr. Goodall’s influence, “It’s hard to imagine what the world of chimpanzee advocacy would look like without Jane. She has come to define the movement and I’m so proud to fight alongside her for the care and conservation of chimpanzees everywhere. I left our conversation feeling inspired by Jane’s commitment to making the world a better place for humans and animals alike, and I’m so grateful we were able to share her message with even more people this week.”

Also speaking at the luncheon were Fran Edwardson, Board Chair of Lincoln Park Zoo; Mary MacGregor, President of the Women’s Board and luncheon co-chairs Beth Keis, Megan Weiland and Sue Charles Weinstein. Presenting sponsors included The Regenstein Foundation and The Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Family Foundation.

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The Women’s Board has been raising funds for Lincoln Park Zoo for half a century, helping build state-of-the-art animal habitats, creating acclaimed education programs and supporting cutting-edge zoo conservation and science initiatives.

Lincoln Park Zoo remains unique in being a not-for-profit, privately managed, member-supported organization that is open and free to the public 365 days a year, drawing about 4 million visitors annually. Its scientific workforce includes around 40 scientists working across 60 cities, 30 countries and on five continents.