Jane traveled to Seattle, Washington on September 12th to visit Theo Chocolate company, maker of chocolate bars that have Jane's "Good for All" seal of approval. While there, Jane not only spoke about her new book, Hope for Animals and Their World, but also got a behind-the-scenes view of Theo's chocolate-making process. (You can pick up a bar of the delicious Theo Jane Goodall chocolate in our online store in time for Halloween!)

Jane and Mr. H meet with the team of Theo Chocolate, an organic, fair-trade, bean-to-bar chocolate factory. They are also a supporter of the Jane Goodall Institute mission. Photo by Charles Horne.

Jane spoke to over 400 people in Theo's auditorium. Among other topics, Jane spoke about the value of responsible chocolate production and sustainable farming practices. Photo by Charles Horne.

Theo knows chocolate! Chocolate made by the company first goes through the tempering process seen here.

Theo uses a vintage European cacao bean roster from the late 1930s. Every bean used to create Theo's chocolate confections are first roasted in this unusual machine. Another vintage machine carefully wraps each bar of chocolate. The Jane Goodall chocolate goes through this process as well.

Dr. Jane's Keynote at the AZA Convention

Contributor: Anonymous

Wed, 12/31/1969 - 20:00

After Seattle, it was on to Portland, where Jane spoke at the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) conference. Jane spoke about the educational role of zoos and how Jane Goodall's Roots & Shoots, an international youth service program, is a natural fit for zoos interested in expanding their youth outreach.

During a workshop later that day, Dr. Virginia Landau explained how JGI's ChimpanZoo program helps zoos worldwide properly care for captive chimpanzees.

Because there were more than 1,500 zookeepers in attendance, Jane's image was projected on giant television screens.

Jane signed this replica of a chimpanzee skull, from Skulls Unlimited, a vendor in the AZA exhibit hall.

Mr. H, Jane's traveling companion and mascot, always keeps great company. Here he is joined by a spotted owl and a Vancouver Island marmot - 2 of the species featured in Jane's new book, Hope for Animals and Their World.

Sky Shadowhawk, a young friend of Jane's and a Roots & Shoots member, sports a shirt with a message.

Sometimes it helps to put your feet up! Jane signed nearly 1,500 books at the AZA conference.

All photos by John Trybus.

Jane Receives Minerva Award

Contributor: Anonymous

Wed, 12/31/1969 - 20:00

On Tuesday, Jane took part in the one-of-a-kind California Women's Conference hosted by Maria Shriver. Over 25,000 women from around California - and the world - joined together for 2 days to celebrate and speak about the power of women to transform our world. From Madeleine Albright to Katie Couric to Sir Richard Branson, Jane joined an A-list line-up of conference speakers. Jane, along with 3 other pioneering women, was selected to receive the special Minerva Award this year.

The Minerva Award is named after the Roman goddess of wisdom who graces the California State Seal, and was created to celebrate "women who work tirelessly on the frontlines of humanity to make this world a more compassionate, tolerant and just place." If you missed the conference, be sure to watch the video of the ceremony on the Women's Conference website.

Upon accepting the award, Jane said: "Thanks to the Minerva awardees and all of you out there...this is the hope for the future - that wherever we see this appeal for help there is somebody, or a group of people, ready to go and try and put it right. And that - the indomitable human spirit - is my greatest reason for hope."

All photos by John Trybus.

Jane was one of only 4 women to receive the 2009 Minerva Award. She spoke last and received not 1 - but 3 - standing ovations and truly energized the crowd. Here, she is joined by Maria Shriver right before giving her signature pant-hoot chimpanzee greeting in front of 25,000 women!


Jane meets Captain Scully, the brave pilot of US Airways Flight 1549. He successfully landed his plane in the Hudson River in January, after a malfunction. Billy Campbell, new member of the JGI board, was on that particular flight!	Nick Vujicic, a 26-year-old young man born without limbs, meets Jane. He is an example of strength through adversity and now shares his message through the Life Without Limbs organization.

Annie Leibovitz and Jane met during the book signing. Annie is a supporter of Jane's work and said she was so happy to meet her! Like Jane, she is an example of a woman who changed history through her work.	Jane and journalist Linda Elerbee share a moment prior to Jane's breakout session, Beating the Odds: Profiles of Inspiration. Among other topics, they spoke about Jane Goodall's Roots & Shoots and the power of young people to promote change around the world.

The Jane team! Jane joins her support staff - Mary Lewis, Susana Name, and John Trybus at the JGI booth. Over 25,000 women passed by the booth to learn about JGI and Jane Goodall's Roots & Shoots.	Dr. Mehmet Oz and his wife interview Jane for Oprah Radio in the press tent.

Jane waves to the crowd after receiving the Minerva Award.	"Where do I get the energy, at 75, to travel around the world over 300 days a year like I do? From the young people I meet everywhere I go," Jane told the crowd.