Lincoln Park Zoo hosted Dr. Jane Goodall at the Women Supporting Wildlife Luncheon on September 11, an event organized by the zoo’s Women’s Board. The luncheon raised more than $600,000 to support animal care, welfare, conservation, and learning programs at the zoo.
Dr. Goodall, founder of the Jane Goodall Institute and United Nations Messenger of Peace, joined Dr. Megan Ross, President and CEO of Lincoln Park Zoo, for a discussion focused on hope, youth engagement, and wildlife conservation. The event also marked the introduction of the Susan L. Regenstein Award for Conservation Leadership in honor of Chicago philanthropist Susan L. Regenstein.
“I am honored to join Lincoln Park Zoo in supporting and celebrating women who are doing so much to help us understand and protect wildlife,” said Dr. Jane Goodall. “The Lincoln Park Zoo team has a long history of advocating for chimpanzees, whether in human care or in the wild, which has helped an untold number of individuals thrive. Through their research and support they continue to substantiate what I learned very early in my research in Gombe— chimpanzees, like all animals, possess distinct personalities, minds, and emotions.”
For over four decades, Dr. Goodall’s work has aligned with that of Lincoln Park Zoo and her institute in seeking better understanding and improved conditions for chimpanzees both under human care and in natural habitats. In 1986, she attended a major conference at Lincoln Park titled “Understanding Chimpanzees,” which was pivotal in shifting her focus from field study to global advocacy for chimpanzee protection.
“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,” said Megan R. Ross, Ph.D., President and CEO of Lincoln Park Zoo. “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.”
The luncheon was supported by presenting sponsors The Regenstein Foundation as well as The Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Family Foundation. Acknowledgements were given to Board Chair Fran Edwardson; Women’s Board President Mary MacGregor; along with luncheon co-chairs Beth Keis, Megan Weiland, and Sue Charles Weinstein.
The Women Supporting Wildlife Luncheon is part of ongoing efforts by Lincoln Park Zoo's Women’s Board over five decades to raise funds supporting modern animal habitats as well as education programs and science initiatives at the zoo.
Lincoln Park Zoo is recognized as a leader in conservation efforts locally and globally since its founding in 1868 as a privately managed nonprofit organization open every day without charge.