By Hou Lei (chinadaily.com.cn)
Updated: 2007-11-18 20:19

Members of Roots & Shoots groups chat with  Dr Jane Goodall, world-renowned primatologist and environmentalist, in a Beijing school November 18, 2007. [newsphoto]

The world-renowned primatologist and environmentalist Dr Jane Goodall arrived in Beijing this weekend to inspire children to participate in environmental and animal protection activities.

Members of Roots & Shoots groups from different parts of China demonstrated their achievements to Dr Goodall at Beijing City International School.

During her week-long visit, Dr Goodall will give lectures to Chinese students and raise money for her China-based non-profit programs and activities, in particular for the Roots & Shoots environmental protection program.

Dr Jane Goodall [File photo]

She came to the school dressed warmly in a bright red coat, and a dark blue scarf around her neck. As soon as she walked into the hall, the students applauded and snapped pictures of her.

At Sunday afternoon's event, more than 10 Roots & Shoots teams showed Dr Goodall their achievements. Their environmental activities involve water-saving devices, visiting seniors' homes collecting waste paper and bottles as well as recycling leftover packaging of mooncake boxes.

Pupils of Ya Er Hutong Primary School in Beijing exhibited a V-shaped bike shed model they designed. The rain water on the roof of the bike shed could be collected and recycled.

Dr Goodall expressed great interest in this innovative design and she herself poured a glass of water onto the roof to test the design.

A girl from the Roots & Shoots team of the school also tied a red handkerchief around Dr Goodall's neck.

“I'm very excited. It is my first time to meet such a famous scientist. It is a great honor for me!” exclaimed Hu Yiming, a boy from Ma Chang Dao Primary School in Tianjin told chinadaily.com.cn.

“I told Dr Goodall that we donated our toys and food to the black bears at Tianjin Zoo. As a member of the Roots & Shoots group in his school, Hu said they organized a black bear mimicking competition in order to let students know more about black bears' living habits.

After she looked over all the exhibits, Dr Goodall delivered a speech to all the students, as they won the 2007 Roots & Shoots Achievement Awards.

The activities of Roots & Shoots teams in China focus on not only environmental protection but also energy saving and accompanying elderly people, which moved her deeply.

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