1. 2017 Brings Hope and Dr Jane
As we close the chapter on 2016 and usher in the start of an exciting new year, we want to take the time to say thank you again to our amazing supporters and JGIA family. We are very much looking forward to a wonderful year ahead and hope that you will join us on our journey.
Indeed Dr Jane Goodall herself will be joining us in Australia and New Zealand in June 2017! Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to hear first-hand the amazing stories of her chimpanzee family and inspiring messages of hope and peace. Buy your tickets today to Dr Jane’s live events in Perth, Melbourne, Brisbane and Sydney and to keep up to date on all activities and special opportunities, become a member of the JGIA family.
By becoming a member, you will be helping us continue our work protecting chimpanzees and forests, while growing the number of young people who are making our world more sustainable. Of course you can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Thank you again and we can’t wait to see you in 2017!
2. Your Phone Call… to Action
Have you ever wondered what your phone is made of or how the materials were collected? There may be more to that story than you think. Our technological gadgets are made up of materials such as gold, tin, tungsten and tantalum (coltan), many of which are sourced from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The DRC is also home to the largest intact populations of chimpanzees, located in the Congo Basin.
The human and environmental costs of extracting these materials are staggering. Trees must be cut down, thereby fragmenting the forest, destroying chimpanzee habitat and jeopardising the health of local communities. In addition to damaging the environment, conflict materials have also been cited as the driving force for the continuing war in the DRC.
On January 24th, JGI offices around the world launched a Call to Action to recycle our mobile phones and halt the mining of new materials. International Mobile Recycling Day, now in its third year, is an urgent cause to raise awareness and reduce our impact. Join JGIA throughout Term 1 in our mobile phone recycling drive by registering for a free collection box for phones at your school or business. In addition to reducing demand, our generous partners, Mobile Muster and Phone Cycle, donate funds to JGIA for each phone collected. For more information, contact us on recycle@janegoodall.org.au or find out more on our JGIA or R&S websites.
3. Applications Open for the NYLC
Are you ready to lead a movement of young people creating a better world for people, animals and the environment? We are looking for young Australian leaders aged 16-23 to join our National Youth Leadership Council (NYLC). Our NYLC is made up of a passionate group of young people from around Australia who are dedicated to making positive change. Members of the NYLC are the youth voice of Roots & Shoots Australia and work hard to support the organization’s success. NYLC members are provided with fun and comprehensive training and opportunities to mentor R&S members and represent R&S at events. Members gain access to influential leaders and networks that will help them grow their leadership capabilities. Find out more and apply before midnight on Sunday 5th February. You can also keep up to date with our NYLC on our Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter pages.
4. Positivity despite Politics
For many of us, the start of 2017 has brought uncertainty with global political changes. Dr Jane Goodall wrote a special blog post on the topic “I am writing today to call on each of you, my friends and colleagues, to maintain hope, whilst being prepared to work even harder to do what is right for people, other animals and planet Earth. And be prepared to stand up and speak out for our beliefs. For if we lose hope we shall sink into apathy – then all will be lost. We all have a choice as to what sort of difference we make. And so, if we all come together with determination and increased solidarity, we can surely find ways to carry on with our work no matter what happens. I have absolute faith in the indomitable human spirit.”
5. Tchimpounga Caregiver Highlight
Hugues Boungou has a wide, gentle smile that divulges his caregiving philosophy before he even begins to interact with his patients. Hugues, a veterinary assistant at JGI’s Tchimpounga Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Centre in the Republic of Congo, believes in the importance of treating each primate with care and respect, to create the trust and cooperation that he needs to be effective in his work. He says his favourite part of his job is helping to save the lives of chimpanzees. Hugues began his career as a nurse, looking after human patients. His natural skill with primates allowed him to adapt quickly to veterinary work and to develop new skills, like operating x-ray equipment and microscopes. JGI, and the many chimpanzees who enjoy Hugues’ excellent care are grateful that he made the decision to work as a veterinary assistant. To support Hugues and his chimpanzee friends, become a Chimp Guardian today.
6. CEO Channels Chimp for the Cause
Our CEO, Nancy Moloney, had some fun hanging around and completing her Edge Pledge just before the holidays. To raise funds for chimpanzees at JGI’s Tchimpounga Sanctuary, Nancy put herself on the edge by asking supporters to vote for her to eat 20 bananas in one sitting, end every phone call for an entire day with a pant hoot (chimp call) or complete a ropes course in a chimpanzee onesie. The onesie challenge won and despite a 38 degree day, Nancy clambered through the ropes course with a smile on her face, enjoying every minute being one of our closest relatives. To join Nancy, sign up for your own fun Edge Pledge and watch this space for future JGIA Edge Pledges.
