Media Contact: Alyssa Mulliger | amulliger@discoveryplace.org 

Media: Please see note at the bottom of this release for media preview information. 

CHARLOTTE, NC (October 24, 2024) — Dr. Jane Goodall, DBE, founder of the Jane Goodall Institute & UN Messenger of Peace—has created an indelible legacy in the fields of science and conservation—a legacy celebrated in “Becoming Jane: The Evolution of Dr. Jane Goodall,” an exhibition opening at Discovery Place Science on Saturday, November 16. 

“As Discovery Place continues to bring sustainability further into the forefront of our work and visitor experiences, we are thrilled to host this remarkable exhibition and allow visitors to learn about the extraordinary life, activism and conservation work of STEM pioneer Dr. Jane Goodall,” said Catherine Wilson Horne, Discovery Place President and CEO. “At a time when so much is changing in our world, we hope that visitors to the exhibition will be inspired to find ways to support a more sustainable future for our community and planet.” 

Produced in partnership with the National Geographic Society and the Jane Goodall Institute, the exhibition explores Dr. Goodall’s life from her early years as an intrepid young woman with a dream to learn about animals in Africa, to her years establishing herself as a renowned scientist in Gombe, Tanzania to her present role as an activist, mentor and advocate for creating a better world for all life on Earth.  “Becoming Jane” will remain open at Discovery Place Science through Saturday, April 19, 2025. 

Widely known for her innovative approach to animal behavior research, Dr. Goodall traveled to what is now Tanzania’s Gombe National Park and immersed herself in observing chimpanzees in their natural habitat. Her work studying the lives of chimpanzees in the wild captured the imagination of the world. Rather than seeing the animals as subjects, she came to know them as individuals with personalities and emotions—a notion once rejected by the scientific world, yet now considered revolutionary. Her story—one of fearless determination, curiosity, the pursuit of knowledge and a passionate love of the natural world—has resonated with generations of people around the globe.

“Dr. Goodall has made tremendous strides in understanding wildlife and this exhibition offers visitors the opportunity to learn about her innovative research techniques and passion for nature,” said Emily Dunham, chief campus and experiences officer at the National Geographic Society. “From reading her hand-written notes to exploring memories from her childhood to a life-sized hologram of Dr. Goodall, visitors will experience her legacy and powerful message of hope firsthand.” 

Highlights from the exhibition include:

• A multiscreen experience where visitors are introduced to Dr. Goodall’s extraordinary work, alongside surprising encounters with virtually rendered chimpanzees.
• A replica of Dr. Goodall’s research tent where, in a hands-on experience, visitors can envision themselves as scientists jotting down observations in their field journal. 
• A hologram-like projection of Dr. Goodall who shares her memories in Gombe and recalls her thoughts, feelings, impressions and lessons learned while living among chimpanzees. 
• An interactive projection of Tanzania’s Gombe Stream National Park. 
• Interactive augmented reality (AR) activities, including one in which visitors can test their skills at matching the pant-hoot vocalization of a chimpanzee.
• Updates on the current state of Gombe National Park and the chimpanzee range in Africa, along with the work of the innovative scientists and conservationists who are following in Dr. Goodall’s footsteps. 
• A call to action to visitors from Dr. Goodall to join her, the Jane Goodall Institute and National Geographic in an effort to ensure a more sustainable future for us all.
• A pledge station where visitors can share what actions they will take to help Dr. Goodall in her mission.

Special lab experiences and programming:

Throughout the exhibition’s duration, Discovery Place Science will have special programming highlighting various branches of science within the work of Dr. Jane Goodall and the Jane Goodall Institute. Programs include science story times and wildlife ecology activities for young learners; animal intelligence and survival strategy workshops; an AI data collection and nature study lab; chimpanzee versus human anatomy and DNA comparison activities; nature sketching and bookbinding workshops; and sustainability-focused activities to encourage visitors to make a positive impact on our planet. 

Media are invited by appointment to preview “Becoming Jane” on Thursday, November 14 and Friday, November 15 prior to its public opening on Saturday, November 16. Please contact Alyssa Mulliger, amulliger@discoveryplace.org, to schedule a walkthrough. Exhibition images for media use along with photo credits and captions are available here. 

About Discovery Place Science 
Discovery Place Science is the leading hub for science learning in the Carolinas—dedicated to the exchange of ideas, scientific exploration and creative expression to stimulate innovative problem-solving and learning. The Museum brings relevant, contemporary science to life through groundbreaking exhibitions, interactive educational programming and hands-on activities. Located in Uptown Charlotte at 301 N. Tryon Street, convenient parking is available in the Museum’s parking deck—the Carol Grotnes Belk Complex—at the corner of Sixth and Church streets. For more information about Discovery Place Science, visit discoveryplace.org. 

About Dr. Jane Goodall  
Jane Goodall was born on April 3, 1934 in London, England. At the young age of 26, she followed her passion for animals and Africa to Gombe, Tanzania, where she began her landmark study of chimpanzees in the wild—immersing herself in their habitat as a neighbor rather than a distant observer. Her discovery in 1960 that chimpanzees make and use tools rocked the scientific world and redefined the relationship between humans and animals. In 1977, she established the Jane Goodall Institute (JGI) to advance her work around the world and for generations to come. JGI continues the field research at Gombe and builds on Dr. Goodall’s innovative approach to conservation, which recognizes the central role that people play in the well-being of animals and the environment. In 1991, she founded Roots & Shoots, a global program that connects young people in more than 60 countries to be conservation activists in their daily lives. Today, Dr. Goodall travels the world, speaking about the threats facing chimpanzees, other environmental crises, and her reasons for hope. In her books and speeches, she emphasizes the interconnectedness of all living things and the collective power of individual action.  

About the Jane Goodall Institute  
The Jane Goodall Institute (JGI) is a global, community-centered conservation organization founded in 1977 that advances the vision and work of Dr. Jane Goodall in over 30 countries around the world. We aim to understand and protect chimpanzees, other apes and their habitats, and empower people to be compassionate citizens in order to inspire conservation of the natural world we all share. JGI uses research, collaboration with local communities, best-in-class animal welfare standards, and the innovative use of science and technology to inspire hope and transform it into action for the common good. Through our Roots & Shoots program for young people of all ages, now active in over 60 countries around the world, JGI is creating an informed and compassionate critical mass of people who will help to create a better world for people, other animals and our shared environment.

About the National Geographic Society  
The National Geographic Society is a global nonprofit organization that uses the power of science, exploration, education and storytelling to illuminate and protect the wonder of our world. Since 1888, National Geographic has pushed the boundaries of exploration, investing in bold people and transformative ideas, providing more than 15,000 grants for work across all seven continents, reaching 3 million students each year through education offerings and engaging audiences around the globe through signature experiences, stories and content. To learn more, visit www.nationalgeographic.org or follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.