Jane Goodall en Madrid: ecoactivismo en la ciudad

Jane Goodall (born in 1934, United Kingdom) is considered the most influential primatologist and conservationist in the world. She became internationally renowned for her research with wild chimpanzees in Gombe National Park (Tanzania) starting in 1960, where she revolutionised science by proving that these primates used tools, had complex social structures, and displayed emotions comparable to those of humans.

Goodall not only broke scientific paradigms but also social ones: she was a woman without formal university training at the time and became an icon of ecological thinking and animal advocacy.

Today, at the age of 90, she continues to travel, give talks, and lead the Jane Goodall Institute, active in over 30 countries, including Spain.

Jane has visited Madrid on various occasions to participate in institutional, scientific, and educational activities.

In May 2016, Jane Goodall was received by then-mayor Manuela Carmena at Madrid’s City Hall. During a joint press conference, Goodall called for a real commitment to sustainability and appealed to young people as drivers of environmental change.

Collaboration with educational centres in Madrid

Her Roots & Shoots programme (Raíces y Brotes) is implemented in numerous schools across Madrid. This project, driven by the Jane Goodall Institute, promotes environmental and social actions led by young people.

In March 2021, Jane Goodall participated virtually in an event organised by the Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO, National Cancer Research Centre) on International Women’s Day. In her talk, she discussed science, equality, childhood, and sustainability:

“When I was ten years old, I said I wanted to go to Africa, live among animals, and write books about them. Everyone laughed at me. They said that wasn’t something girls did.”

Why talk about Jane Goodall at Adventure Hostel Madrid?

Because she embodies exactly what we stand for: purposeful travel, questioning the system, breaking moulds. Goodall has visited Madrid to share messages that should not be ignored: the city also needs activism, education, and ecological awareness.

Jane Goodall is not just a scientist. She is a symbol of coherence, quiet rebellion, and genuine commitment to the planet. She represents a way of being in the world that unsettles conformists and inspires those who still believe small actions can lead to big changes.

Madrid has listened to her, looked her in the eye, and let her sow seeds.

From Adventure Hostel Madrid, all we can say is: thank you, Jane, for reminding us that the most powerful adventure is living with purpose.