“If my legs were getting me the money, thank you legs,” said Goodall
Dr. Jane Goodall appeared on the Wednesday, May 21, edition of Call Her Daddy
She discussed her career as a renowned primatologist and conservationist during the podcast
She also reflected on some of the comments she received from her male peers
Dr. Jane Goodall is reflecting on the highs and lows of her career and how she ultimately used her experiences to her advantage.
The 91-year-old was a guest on the Wednesday, May 21, edition of Call Her Daddy during which she reflected on her longstanding career as a renowned primatologist and conservationist.
Goodall recalled being told early on that her dreams of going to Africa to do research were “ridiculous” because she didn’t “have money” and was “just a girl.”
She attributed some of these reactions to growing up during a time of war and in a “house of women.”
With television not yet invented, Goodall said her passions grew stronger from being “outside with nature.”
“So, if somebody said that today, they’d be sued. Right? Back then, all I wanted was to get back to the chimps,” she continued. “So, if my legs were getting me the money, thank you legs. And if you look at those covers, they were jolly nice legs.”
Goodall said that while she accepted that commentary because she believes women have “an advantage,” she understands that it was “a different era.”
Renowned conservationist and primatologist Dr. Jane Goodall spoke during her visit to the Museum of Solution as part of her renowned “Hope Global Tour”, on November 16, 2024 in Mumbai, India. Her talk offers insights into chimpanzee behavior, conservation efforts, and the power of individual action. Her tour begins on Saturday with the Ocean Literacy Dialogues (OLD) at the CSMVS Museum. In collaboration with UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC), the British Council, and the CSMVS Museum, Dr. Goodall will deliver the inaugural Great Talk lecture, marking India’s first Ocean Literacy Dialogue.
One person who always helped Goodall overcome any negative mindset was her mother, who always encouraged her to believe in her dreams.
“She said, if you really want to do something like this, you’re going to have to work really hard. Take advantage of every opportunity. And if you don’t give up, hopefully you find a way,” said Goodall.