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A head of Earth Day, when Sotheby’s will tribute to the animal world and donate a portion of the proceeds from the Animals sale to the Jane Goodall Institute France, we speak to Galitt Kenan, Executive Director of the Institute.
Can you tell us about Dr Jane Goodall, how she revealed her passion for chimpanzees and why she created the Jane Goodall Institute?
An ethnologist famous for her studies of chimpanzees, an icon of animal protection, and a tireless environmental activist, Dr Jane Goodall is internationally recognised today. However, that destiny was unforeseeable. She had always had a passion for Africa from earliest childhood. At the age of 23, she had the opportunity to travel to Kenya. There, she met the paleontologist Louis Leakey, who offered to take her to observe chimpanzees in the wilderness near Gombe (located in current day Tanzania).
She studied the chimps in their natural environment. Thanks to her patience and determination, she discovered that chimpanzees manufacture and use tools to get food. That breakthrough turned the scientific world on its head, shedding new light on man’s place in the animal kingdom. Before her work, humanity had been defined by its very ability to create and use tools!
Seeing the deterioration of the environment and the resulting risks for chimpanzees, Dr Goodall decided to dedicate her life to the protection of animal species and the environment while assisting local communities in their development. In fact, her global, holistic approach is what sets her apart. Because the only way to protect wild animals is to protect their natural habitats, and those conservation efforts must be undertaken by, for and with the local populations. That is why the Jane Goodall Institute, founded in 1977, works in the field. We ceaselessly endeavour to protect wild animals (chimpanzees); conserve their natural habitat, the forest (through forest restoration, reforestation, soil protection, wildlife corridors, and so on); and foster the economic and social development of local populations (by providing access to education, healthcare, food security, water, and so on). These high-impact actions are always undertaken with a long-term approach.
“Every individual matters and has a role to play in this life on earth."
DR. JANE GOODALL, DBE, FOUNDER OF THE JANE GOODALL INSTITUTE & UN MESSENGER OF PEACE
Moreover, Jane herself and the Jane Goodall Institute provide guidance to young people who wish to work to make the world better for humans, other animals, and nature as a whole. The “Roots & Shoots” programme enables millions of young people to take action, day after day!
We are proud of the work that we achieve in the field, which enables us to make such progress for humanity, animals and the natural world that we all share.
When did you join the Jane Goodall Institute France and why?
My professional life has developed alongside my philosophy of our connection to the natural world!
After working in strategy and finance consulting, I joined the world of NGOs in 2000. First I worked to promote relations between religions, reconciling differences through an extraordinary project that enabled 100 rabbis and 100 imams from all over the world to discuss and initiate concrete actions together. I then directed the “6 Billion Others” project by Yann Arthus-Bertrand and the GoodPlanet Foundation. This gigantic, generous project was a video portrait of humanity (with 5,600 people interviewed in 64 countries) that was featured in more than 30 exhibitions throughout the world, garnering a number of awards. A way of considering our connection with other people and also the natural world that surrounds us.
Then, four years ago, I had the immense honour of becoming the director of the Jane Goodall Institute. And the opportunity to strive for a better world for people, other animals, and nature. That important triad opened my eyes to the interconnection among all living beings. People, animals, and the environment that we all share.
I feel so fortunate! We have such a determined, enthusiastic team: a team of volunteers who works humbly and with determination, efficiency, and a touch of optimism! I am especially very lucky to work for and with Dr Jane Goodall. She is such an unpretentious, admirable and admired woman, who shows us the way with modesty and commitment.
Can you tell us about your current projects? How will you use the money donated from the Sotheby's sale?
First of all, a huge thank-you to all the Sotheby’s teams who have decided to support our work through this exceptional auction honouring animals and our connection with them for Earth Day.
We will make good use of that generosity. For our projects in the field, of course, both in Africa and in France. We will be able to conduct research, take care of the chimpanzees who live under our protection (in sanctuaries or in the wild), work to restore forests (soils, reforestation, etc.), and of course assist the local populations.
We also wish to continue working to protect wildlife in France, to foster young researchers in investigating the relationship between man and nature, and to combat illicit animal trafficking and imported deforestation. Not to mention providing guidance to thousands of young people through our “Roots & Shoots” programme, working for humans, animals and the environment.
The projects are multifarious, complementary, and implemented in the long-term... You can follow up on them.
If you had to choose three objects from this sale, what would they be and why?
What a difficult choice!
The works of Peter Beard were a guiding light throughout my adolescence. His works are moving in their complexity... He has a unique ability to raise awareness about man’s destruction of the natural environment. The beauty of the images, the collages and the annotations... It all comes together to make each work unique and poetic. Like the one where the frailty of giraffes echoes the man’s bloody handprint.
Kipling’s Jungle Book is iconic. It is a childhood classic. It reminds us of the importance of respecting both people and animals, in everything that makes them unique and distinctive. It is a book to share with those you love, whatever their age. This copy is exceptional for the majestic illustration by Jouve and the engraving by Schmied. What a joy to see such a book embellished in such a way!
And one more thing that stands out to me: The Rock by Griet Van Malderen. Her photos immortalise the existence of endangered and nearly extinct animals. This one shows an elephant in a deep black-and-white image. It faces the camera with a powerful presence, questioning us. What a delight it must be to have such a photo on the wall of your home.
Editorial Note: The Jane Goodall Institute does not endorse interaction or proximity to wild animals. These "historical" photographs must be viewed in their original historical context.
