Penang-based groups gather in memory of Dr Jane Goodall

AS the world mourns the passing of British ethologist Dame Dr Jane Goodall, the ultimate expert on primate behaviour in the wild, Penang-based Habitat Group and Roots and Shoots Malaysia decided to honour her legacy.

Many may not know but Goodall has close ties to Malaysia, as the global board chairman of her institute, named after the 91-year old, was born in Penang.

Former banker Kang Phee Boon was instrumental in managing the institute's global outreach after helping found the Jane Goodall Institute in Taiwan.

The conservation community gathered last Sunday on Penang Hill in memory of her, showcasing visits around the forestry area adorning the Habitat facility.

While Goodall was famous for her study of chimpanzees, her later life was devoted mostly to the need for preservation and conservation in a world increasingly rocked by the ill effects of climate change and pollution.

"Her message of compassion, conservation and shared responsibility is worth retelling," said Datuk Sri Harry Cockrell, co-founder of The Habitat Group and chairman of its foundation.

In a statement to mark the occasion, the Habitat Group said that  Goodall was passionate in her belief that positive change would need to be led by the younger generation.

She also founded Roots & Shoots, a youth-focussed global humanitarian and environmental programme.

Roots & Shoots is today a vibrant organisation active in over 75 countries, Malaysia being one of them.

It is in this context that Roots & Shoots Malaysia and The Habitat Group became acquainted and both came together to host a remembrance event at Penang Hill.

Goodall last visited Penang in 2019, where she delivered a stirring message of hope and duty to the audience at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM).

She also visited the Habitat at Penang Hill to offer support in conservation.

Cockrell recounted: “I remember well when Jane first visited The Habitat six years ago. At that time, we were at the early and somewhat uncertain stage of our journey in establishing this park as a hub for rainforest discovery and nature education. Her presence and enthusiasm assured us that we had made the right decision."

Since then, through the foundation, the park has expanded  to support the biodiversity conservation both within Penang and beyond, often teaming up with Roots & Shoots Malaysia.

The Habitat is part of The Penang Hill Biosphere Reserve which was successfully designated into the UNESCO Man & the Biosphere programme in 2021 and continues to be dedicated to conservation and sustainability initiatives. 

Roots & Shoots Malaysia president T.P. Lim shared:  “Jane remembered her visit to The Habitat Penang very fondly and spoke often about enjoying durians on Penang Hill. We are grateful to The Habitat for agreeing to host today’s event to remember Jane in this beautiful and ancient rainforest. The Roots & Shoots team feels passionate about committing ourselves to furthering Dr. Jane’s vision of youth empowerment in Malaysia."

Guests then created a wreath of remembrance beneath “Jane’s Tree”,  a towering century-old tree along the Habitat’s main trail dedicated to Goodall.

Using flowers, leaves, and ferns, they crafted a simple yet deeply meaningful symbol of unity and connection with nature. - November 11, 2025.