Jane Goodall Tells Prince Harry Why Her Favorite Animal Isn't a Chimpanzee
For her guest edited issue of British Vogue, Meghan Markle spoke to several inspirational figures herself—but she left an interview with Dr. Jane Goodall to her husband, Prince Harry.
Goodall spoke to Harry about environmentalism, the need to combat unconscious racism, and her hope for the next generation. Amidst the heavy topics, though, the legendary primatologist mentioned something sweet and surprising. Contrary to popular belief—and despite being the subject of much of her life's work—chimpanzees are not Jane Goodall's favorite animal.
"You have extreme empathy for all animals, especially primates, and have connected with them in a way that few to no other person has," Harry said. "What have you learned from studying chimpanzees?"
But Goodall chose instead to talk about a different species. "I have to say my favorite animal absolutely is not a primate, it’s a dog," she said. "I love dogs. When I went to [the University of] Cambridge, they told me I couldn’t talk about chimps having personalities, minds, emotions, and I should have given them numbers and not names; I had to be objective. It was my dog who taught me when I was young that they were wrong! We changed the way science thought. You can now study animal intellect and animal emotions."
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle share Goodall's love for dogs. They have two canine friends at home, and the Duchess even mentioned them in her editor's letter for Vogue. "Sitting on my sofa at home, two dogs nestled across me, I quietly celebrated," she wrote, recalling the moment she learned she'd be able to work with the magazine.
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