"My heart pounded in anticipation. The Jane Goodall would soon take the stage. This was a woman who, driven by her fascination with animals, had travelled across the world to complete the first long-term study of wild chimpanzees in Africa. She made huge discoveries that contributed to our understanding of primates and human evolution. This was one of Goodall's first live events since the pandemic, in late 2023, and would showcase her groundbreaking research on chimpanzees and her focus on primate conservation and climate change."
"We finally stopped, just five rows from the stage. I pulled off my coat and turned to hang it on the back of my seat. As I did, I paused to take in the 3,000-seat theatre that was rapidly filling up with people of all ages. A woman behind us wore a traditional African dress. Another woman had brought her golden retriever service dog with her."
My partner Travis and I speed-walked along Toronto's Front Street to Meridian Hall after rushing from work, enduring Highway 401 traffic and grabbing lobster bisque at St. Lawrence Market. We arrived at a nearly full 3,000-seat theatre, showed tickets, and took seats five rows from the stage. The audience was diverse, including a woman in traditional African dress, a golden retriever service dog, and two suited men who looked like Bay Street traders. A couch and podium awaited an honoured speaker, with stuffed animals on the podium. Anticipation grew for Jane Goodall, noted for long-term chimpanzee research and conservation and climate advocacy.
Read at The Walrus
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