The La Tahonilla Wildlife Recovery Centre in La Laguna recently hosted a visit from Jane Goodall, the esteemed British ethologist and environmental activist. Goodall, renowned for her groundbreaking studies on wild chimpanzees in Gombe, Tanzania since 1960, continues her vigorous efforts in ecosystem protection, biodiversity, and environmental education at 89. Her conservation activism has now brought her to Tenerife, an island familiar to her from previous visits.
Goodall’s tour, arranged by the Council of Veterinary Associations of the Canary Islands and the Jane Goodall Institute, with support from the ULL, the Cabildo, and the Government of the Canary Islands, involved several meetings and activities with local groups and institutions.
During her visit to the La Tahonilla centre, Goodall, accompanied by Cabildo president Rosa Dávila and other officials, was introduced to the centre’s mission of rehabilitating injured wild animals for their return to nature. The centre’s team briefed her on their work with animals like turtles, their campaign for collecting shearwaters, and discussed the unique biodiversity of the Anaga rural park.
Goodall, showing keen interest, inquired about the centre’s operations. She also humorously recounted her first visit to the Canary Islands in 1957, recalling a strong banana liqueur they had tried. The scientist then named a rehabilitated turtle ‘Goja’, combining letters from her own name, before its release at El Porís beach, an act she described as a great honour.
Emphasizing the importance of such facilities, Goodall noted, “Coming to places like this, where the lives of so many animals have been saved, and seeing these people who dedicate so much effort to it, gives me hope.” She highlighted the dual threats of climate change and biodiversity loss, praising the efforts of those on the island fighting to protect animals.
Goodall also remarked on the growing recognition of animals’ personalities and emotions, paralleling those of humans. Rosa Dávila, the island’s president, thanked Goodall for her visit and her transformative global impact, particularly in promoting curiosity and exploration in children. Goodall’s visit concluded with a symbolic tree planting in an area recently affected by a wildfire, signifying hope and regeneration.
