Famed anthropologist Jane Goodall discussed memories, monkeys and making change at Tropicana Field

Dr. Jane Goodall reflected on her journey as an ethnologist and urged her audience to take positive action for the planet.

Photo courtesy of Jane Goodall Institute

By Mahika Kukday

“I’m 90, by the way,” said Dr. Jane Goodall, to a crowd that erupted in cheers and fervent applause on Sept. 14.

The acclaimed conversationist delivered an hour-long speech at Tropicana Field to which almost 8,000 Floridians flocked to hear her share a message of hope.

People of all ages attended – from those who grew up following Goodall’s work, to those who are learning about her now in kindergarten.
*Photo by Mahika Kukday | The Crow’s Nest*

Along with her personal journey and the details of her groundbreaking research on chimpanzee behavior, Goodall reaffirmed her faith in future generations and their power to enact change.

In the stadium lobby, local organizations focused on topics like children’s education and climate issues, and kids petted snakes and picked up potted plants to take home.

Sophia Vittone, a sophomore biology major at the University of South Florida St. Petersburg, had the program on her calendar since her first Intro to Anthropology class this semester. Their professor, Dr. Arthur, told the class about the event.

“In elementary school, I read books about her all the time, I love her so much,” they said.

Vittone, who attended the event with their mother, brother and friend, Tori Usrey, said they began admiring Goodall from a young age because their parents ingrained a sense of environmental responsibility since childhood.

What stayed with them after Goodall’s speech, was the environmentalist’s courage and willpower.

During her speech, Goodall reflected on her time as a secretary after graduating high school. She couldn’t afford university at the time, but she gathered funding over the years and flew to Kenya to visit her friend’s farm at age 24. This moment would mark the beginning of her scientific career.

“She worked really hard to save up the money, and then as soon as she could do it, she went immediately,” Vittone said. “She’s just so driven, like this is how I wish everybody was.”

Tori Usrey (left) with fellow SGEF members, tabling at Get on Board day at USF St. Petersburg in Aug. 2024.
*Photo courtesy of sgef_usfsp on Instagram*

Usrey serves as the director of marketing and events of the Student Green Energy Fund (SGEF) at USF St. Petersburg. They were most inspired by Goodall’s advocacy for grassroots projects.

“St. Pete prides itself on being so sustainable. But how much of that is from million-dollar developments from the government?” Usrey questioned. “How much of our local community is the reason why those differences are being made?”

Earlier in the day, the Roots & Shoots Alliance of Tampa Bay hosted the Youth Environmental Summit at Tropicana Field. Roots & Shoots is Goodall’s youth action program, centered on empowering children to make positive change.

Some of the youth who participated in the summit flew the “Peace Dove.” The giant dove’s gentle appearance was an ode to the upcoming International Day of Peace. Goodall is a United Nations Peace Ambassador.

Roots & Shoots participants flying the peace dove as part of the event’s opening address.
*Photo by Mahika Kukday | The Crow’s Nest*

And as she shared the details of her work with chimpanzees in Gombe, Tanzania, she emphasized this idea of harmony. Peace between the Earth and its constituents is essential, as even the smallest of actions compound into a large effect, she said.

“We are part of the animal kingdom, not separated from it,” Goodall said.

She spoke on her trust in the power of the human intellect, and how people must do better at treating the planet’s diverse ecosystems with respect.

Local and state policymakers were also in attendance, including St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch and Florida House Representatives Lindsay Cross and Susan L. Valdez.

Usrey thinks that St. Petersburg provides a unique opportunity for college students to get involved in community efforts. She hopes to see similar events in the future, especially those which are more hands-on.

“I think that’ll bring a lot of students that have a lot of talent, opportunity and promise out of their comfort zone to make more change.”

Officials said that over 800 students participated in the Saturday’s Youth Action Summit, and that the Jane Goodall institute will definitely return to Tampa Bay next year.