Jane Goodall, conservationists hope 'Chimpanzee' will save chimps
By Rene Lynch, Los Angeles Times
He hopes that this new movie will allow viewers to see chimps in a new light -- not as movie performers, or as pets to be put in cages, but as sensitive creatures that share the bulk of their DNA with humans.
"Chimps running around in diapers, or doing tricks -- that's the image that many people have of chimps," he said.
"I hope this movie drives home the point that the future for chimps is conservation in the wild, not in captivity. Chimps in captivity never end well," Lewis said. He was referring to the headline-making case of a chimp living as a pet in Connecticut who mauled a woman in 2009, ripping off her thumbs and her face. The victim ultimately required a face transplant and continues to recover. The chimp was shot and killed by police.
Jane Goodall talks Chimpanzee
By AH, Tribute Entertainment
That’s why Dr. Goodall spends 300 days a year on the road, telling people about her institute and getting children involved in Roots & Shoots – the Institute’s global environmental and humanitarian education program. She says, “I get back to Gombe twice a year but it’s literally two to four days…just because I have to be in the forest.”
Regarding Chimpanzee, she hopes it will endear moviegoers to Oscar and his fellow chimps, saying, “This film, hopefully will really raise a banner — not about the dangers facing the chimps — it’s about how amazing they are and how like us they are. And yes, we should be protecting them—so please help JGI to protect them.” She adds with a laugh, “It doesn’t say it in the film but I’m saying it.” ~Alexandra Heilbron
Natalie Portman: 'Chimpanzee' Screening with Jane Goodall!
By Nicholas Hunt, JustJared
Synopsis for the documentary, which hits theaters this Friday (April 20): A new True Life Adventure introducing an adorable baby chimp named Oscar and his entertaining approach to life in a remarkable story of family bonds and individual triumph. Oscar’s playful curiosity and zest for discovery showcase the intelligence and ingenuity of some of the most extraordinary personalities in the animal kingdom.
Working together, Oscar’s chimpanzee family – including his mom and the group’s savvy leader – navigates the complex territory of the forest. The world is a playground for little Oscar and his fellow young chimps, who’d rather make mayhem than join their parents for an afternoon nap. But when Oscar’s family is confronted by a rival band of chimps, he is left to fend for himself until a surprising ally steps in and changes his life forever.
Jane Goodall Talks 2012 ‘Chimpanzee’ Movie [Video]
By Dan Evon, Inquisitr.com
While filming, however, the focus of the story took a dramatic turn when Oscar’s mother was killed. Goodall said: “The mother of Oscar was killed by a leopard and they thought, ‘The whole film is destroyed, what are we going to do?’ Then amazingly, the top ranking male who was a crusty kind of guy chimp adopted this baby and his whole personality changed and he became very gentle, he became much less involved with his position as leader.”
Goodall has retired from studying with chimps at Gombe and now spends her time fighting for the protection of chimps.
Goodall said: “This film, hopefully will really raise a banner — not about the dangers facing the chimps — it’s about how amazing they are and how like us they are. And yes, we should be protecting them—so please help JGI to protect them.” She adds with a laugh, “It doesn’t say it in the film but I’m saying it.” ~Alexandra Heilbron