Primatologist Goodall collects international prize in Barcelona

Despite being over 80, British primatologist Jane Goodall showed plenty of energy and determination yesterday in Barcelona. Goodall, who was in the Catalan capital to receive the Premi Internacional Catalunya from the Generalitat president Artur Mas, was highly critical of human attitudes to the planet: “It is shameful to see how we have destroyed it. [...] Money has become a god. This is where we have failed,” she said.

The award-winning scientist went on to invite action on a local level: “Each one of us can make a difference every day by helping people, animals and the environment,” she said after highlighting the frustration of individuals who feel unable to act to solve global problems. However, the pioneer researcher into chimpanzee behaviour praised Catalonia for its legislation prohibiting circus animals and bullfighting. Although, she also pointed out that bull running was still legal.

Goodall (London, 1934) spends 300 days a year travelling around the world talking about the need to take more care of the planet: “Knowing what the problems are is the first step towards commitment, and we need people to get involved,” she said, before reminding her audience of the need for more animal rights.