Dr Jane Goodall sends birthday message of hope to Monarto Safari Park chimpanzee

In celebration of Chimpanzee Hope’s third birthday at Monarto Safari Park, Dr. Jane Goodall - world-renowned ethologist, DBE Founder, the Jane Goodall Institute and UN Messenger of Peace - has sent a very special birthday video message.

Keepers at Monarto Safari Park will be marking the day on Saturday with a talk and enrichment at 11am held at the aptly named Jane Goodall Chimpanzee Conservation Centre.

Dr Goodall, a UN Messenger of Peace, named Hope in 2019 on a visit to Monarto Safari Park “because she epitomises everything that we wish for the conservation of her species in Africa.

“When you visit Monarto Safari Park you are helping to support conservation efforts and that includes the work of the Jane Goodall Institute Australia.

“Help me wish Hope a happy birthday,” said Jane.  “It’ll be her fourth year on the planet and you can celebrate the fact that she’s alive and well.

“I hope someone will give you a banana on my behalf, Hope,” said Jane before ending the call with an impressive pant-hoot Chimpanzee call.

Keepers at Monarto Safari Park were thrilled with the message and immediately made plans to ensure there are plenty of bananas to go round.

“When we watched the video we had tears in our eyes. Jane is just a beautiful person,” said Laura Hanley, Senior Keeper of Primates.

Hanley added “The Chimpanzee team will make sure there are plenty of bananas for the entire troop of 12 and that they know they’re from Jane. There will also be plenty of wonderful enrichment created by our volunteers.

"Hope is one of three young chimps in the troop including six-year-old Enzi and two-year-old Zola.

“Hope is a lively youngster. She is constantly on the move but mum Hannah never tires of playing with her.”

Monarto Safari Park’s troop of 12 will soon become 13 with first-time mum Galatea expecting a chimp baby at the end of March.

Zoos SA supports Chimpanzee conservation projects in Africa through raising awareness at keeper talks, fundraising and through community campaigns. We also provide conservation support and funds to both the Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary and the Jane Goodall Institute Australia.

The Jane Goodall Institute Australia is cultivating change today. They nurture incredible young leaders through its Roots & Shoots program. They collaborate with local communities across Africa to empower young women - so animals, people and our environment happily co-exist. They rehabilitate rescued chimps at the Tchimpounga sanctuary. They promote their founder's vision to inspire millions to turn hope into action.

To find out more about the Jane Goodall Institute Australia and how to show your support, go to www.janegoodall.org.au/thehope

Monarto Safari Park is open from 9am – 4.30pm and tickets are available to purchase online at www.monartosafari.com.au/tickets

Zoo SA currently operates a mandate vaccine and all persons aged 12+ on site must be fully vaccinated. Please visit www.zoossa.com.au for further information.

Image top: Jane Goodall. Credit: Morten Bjarnhof for GANT and the Jane Goodall Institute; Dr Jane Goodall video and images of Hope courtesy Zoos SA