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"We have stolen their future and it's important to involve them in projects to prove to them that if we all take action, we can actually do something about it to make the world better for their future".
Dr Goodall has spent much of her life dedicated to researching chimpanzees of Gombe Stream National Park in Tanzania, spreading greater awareness of conservation and environmental issues, and inspiring thousands of people of all ages to care.
To honour Dr Goodall's contribution to conservation, Taronga Zoo has dedicated the Taronga Institute of Science and Learning to her. Credit:Steven Siewert
Despite her success, Dr Goodall said she initially struggled with all the attention.
"For me, I am a little girl growing up in England, wanting to go live in the jungle and write books about animals," she said.
A 1965 National Geographic magazine cover with Jane Goodall and her chimpanzees.Credit:National Geographic
"At first, I found it hard to live with because basically, I am a shy person. But now I know it makes a difference because people need to have hope and my main message is to give people hope."
On Saturday, the zoo, which has worked with Dr Goodall for many years, dedicated the Taronga Institute of Science and Learning to her and presented her with a gold platypus brooch, which has only been given to three others to date to acknowledge their dedication to conservation and the zoo.
The institute, which was opened in October 2018 by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, is a hub of research and education with thousands of students passing through its doors.
Dr Goodall said she was honoured by the dedication and to be a part of the zoo's community, especially as zoos, such as Taronga, were "playing a major part in conservation efforts and education".
For many, such as those from YATZ and the Jane Goodall Institute Australia’s Roots and Shoots youth initiative, having role models and the support of people such as Dr Goodall will encourage them to care more deeply about the environment and protecting it, Cameron Kerr, Taronga Conservation Society Australia director and chief executive said.
"To have Jane come out to Taronga and meet our future conservationists and scientists is an honour," Mr Kerr said. "Jane is an inspiring character and a pioneer in science".
Dr Goodall is also in Sydney for her Rewind the Future tour presented by Think Inc on May 8.
Laura is a journalist for The Sydney Morning Herald.