Ter gelegenheid van de 91ste verjaardag van Jane Goodall op 3 april delen we een ontroerende brief van Marleen Wolters (22), een groot bewonderaar en toegewijde vrijwilliger bij het Jane Goodall Instituut Nederland. Marleen’s reis is diep geïnspireerd door Jane’s passie voor natuurbescherming.
In haar brief, die in het Engels is geschreven, reflecteert ze op hoe Jane’s werk haar eigen dromen en carrière heeft gevormd. Vanaf jonge leeftijd werd Marleen geraakt door Jane’s verhaal, en door de jaren heen heeft die inspiratie haar aangespoord om actie te ondernemen op manieren die direct verbonden zijn met de waarden die Jane al decennialang uitdraagt. Lees verder terwijl Marleen haar persoonlijke eerbetoon aan de vrouw deelt die haar passie voor natuurbehoud aanstak.
“What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.”
– Dr. Jane Goodall
Zet hoop om in actie!
Jij kunt, net als Marleen, in actie komen en bijdragen aan het behoud van natuur en dieren. Wij ondersteunen opvangcentra in Oeganda, de Republiek Congo en Zuid-Afrika die zich inzetten voor de bescherming van wilde dieren. Ontdek hoe jij kunt helpen: schrijf je in voor onze nieuwsbrief en kijk hoe jij in actie kunt komen. Samen kunnen we de wereld een beetje beter maken. Doe mee en maak jouw verschil!
Walking close to Jane, from a distance
Dear Jane,
Happy 91st birthday!
As you step into your 92nd year of life, I hope this day is filled with joy, optimism, and a celebration of the incredible impact you’ve had on animals, humans, and the environment. In honor of your special day, I wanted to write you a letter to express how much of an inspiration you’ve been to me over the years.
A moment that changed my life
In April 2023, I had the pleasure of briefly meeting you as a volunteer at the ‘Evening of Hope’ in the Netherlands. What stood out to me most was how you inspire others to dream big and to believe they can achieve those dreams. Personally, one of my biggest dreams in life is to become a wildlife veterinarian, specifically for primates.
When I was 14 years old, my mother took me to see the movie ‘Jane’. Before that moment, I already knew I wanted to become a vet, but after seeing the film, I instantly decided I wanted to become a veterinarian for primates. Now that I am 22 years old, I can see that it changed the course of my life, giving me a clear sense of direction that still shapes my decisions today. Growing up, I was encouraged to dream big and to believe in the power of perseverance, much like you were by your own mother. Seeing your life story and feeling your passion on the screen sparked something in me – a spark I’ve seen ignite in many others who are inspired by you.
A dream realized
Last year, I had the chance to start fulfilling my dream. I worked as a veterinary assistant at Chimfunshi Wildlife Orphanage Trust, a chimpanzee sanctuary in Zambia. Coincidentally, I arrived there on the 3rd of April 2024, your 90th birthday. It felt symbolic – starting my journey to fulfill my dream on the very day you celebrated a monumental milestone. What I didn’t know at the time was just how deeply this experience would affect me.
Being able to work with these incredible animals was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that has left a lasting imprint on my heart. For the first time, I worked with chimpanzees up close, which deepened my understanding of why you’ve dedicated your life to raising awareness about the need to protect them. On one of my last days, I had the privilege of assisting during a general health check on Milla, the chimpanzee you brought to Chimfunshi yourself. That moment was a reminder of the profound impact I could have in an animal’s life, and it felt as though a part of my dream had come full circle. Over the years, I’ve felt close to you in spirit, and through this experience, I could see your influence on my journey more clearly than ever.
Photo: Alexander Milambo. Marleen in action during a general health check on one of the chimps at Chimfunshi
The resilience of chimpanzees and the importance of community
The resilience of chimps is truly inspiring. Witnessing how they adapt to life in a semi-wild environment, despite the challenges caused by humans, is a testament to their strength. They form strong social bonds and create dynamic communities, reflecting the importance of community in conservation. Just as chimps rely on one another to thrive, conservation efforts must focus on protecting not only species but the communities and ecosystems around them.
This philosophy is deeply embedded in the core values of Chimfunshi: community-based conservation. The connections between people who are truly dedicated to making a difference give me hope for the future of our planet, our animals, and ourselves. This same spirit of hope and unity is something I see vividly in your work. In today’s world, it’s easy to feel discouraged by the state of things, but you continue to dream big and inspire others to do the same.
Photo: Jake Brooker. Chimpanzees Milla (left) and Andy (right).
Celebrating a legacy of change
Whenever I speak with conservationists, researchers, and other passionate individuals, I sense the same optimism and drive that you embody. Today is a day to celebrate not only your incredible life and achievements but also the many people who, inspired by you, are working together to change the world.
I wish you even bigger dreams than you’ve ever had before, Jane. Thank you for believing in us – your fellow dreamers.
Happy 91st birthday, Jane!
Best wishes,
Marleen Wolters