The Nonhuman Rights Project (NhRP) today celebrated its founding Board member and scientific expert, Dr. Jane Goodall, during a recognition ceremony at Los Angeles City Hall on Goodall’s 85th birthday. The event honored Goodall’s unique legacy of scientific discoveries, courageous leadership, and her contributions to our understanding of nonhuman animals and the planet we all share.
The Nonhuman Rights Project Founder and President Steven M. Wise introduced Goodall—a close friend who has supported the NhRP’s groundbreaking chimpanzee rights cases—during a presentation inside the Los Angeles City Council meeting, filled with city officials, NhRP staff/supporters, and staff/supporters of Dr. Goodall’s community-centered conservation, research and youth empowerment organization, the Jane Goodall Institute. A private reception for dignitaries and distinguished guests, including many L.A.-based celebrity supporters, took place immediately after the presentation.
“We’re here today to honor Dr. Goodall’s vast contributions not only to my organization but to the whole world, and to congratulate her on L.A. City’s Certificate of Appreciation,” said Wise. “And of course, equally important, we’re here to help her celebrate her 85th birthday. It’s a joyous occasion on many levels.”
Wise also announced today that the NhRP has officially launched its efforts on the West Coast, working with municipal lawmakers in California to bring the fight for nonhuman animal rights to a state that clearly values science and the protection of animals. The NhRP will soon launch its first-ever legislative campaign in California (up until now, the work of the NhRP has been judicial/legal, not legislative).
“Angelinos are enthusiastically supportive when it comes to animal protection, conservation, and other issues concerning the environment and harmony with nature,” said Councilmember Paul Koretz (CD5), a longstanding animal advocate who co-hosted today’s ceremony with Councilmember Mitch O’Farrell (CD13). “We welcome Dr. Goodall and the NhRP with open arms, and look forward to working with them to further their respective missions.”
"Jane Goodall's devotion to our understanding of the animal world is unparalleled and her work will continue to inspire countless generations to come," said Councilmember O'Farrell. "Her research and vision has taught us that our interconnectness with the animal world is paramount to the survival of all species. Happy birthday, Jane! Thank you for redefining what it means to cherish our environment.”
The City of Los Angeles, Dr. Goodall, the Jane Goodall Institute, and the Nonhuman Rights Project share common goals of striving to create greater harmony between people and animals. Today more than ever it is of the utmost importance to further conversations around animal protection and conservation, which are framed solidly in science and honor the individuals and thought leadership that propels this work. This event celebrates the contributions of Dr. Goodall and aims to engage individuals in her and her organization’s mission to empower people through hope to act on behalf of other animals in the wild and in captive conditions.
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About the Nonhuman Rights Project
The Nonhuman Rights Project is the only civil rights organization in the United States working through litigation, legislation, and education to secure fundamental rights for nonhuman animals. For more information, please visit www.nonhumanrights.org.