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Coronavirus: Jane Goodall believes ‘disrespect for animals’ caused pandemic
- The primatologist said animal markets and farming create conditions where animals are crowded together and viruses jump the species barrier
- She welcomed the closure of live wild animal markets in China, and said every individual can take steps to make a difference
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World-renowned British primatologist Jane Goodall believes the coronavirus pandemic was caused by humanity’s disregard for nature and disrespect for animals.
Goodall, who is best known for trailblazing research in Africa that revealed the true nature of chimpanzees, pleaded for the world to learn from past mistakes to prevent future disasters.
During a conference call ahead of the release of the new National Geographic documentary Jane Goodall: The Hope, the 86-year-old also said everyone can make a difference.
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When asked for her views on the Covid-19, Goodall said a pandemic was predicted long ago.
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“Because as we destroy, let’s say the forest, the different species of animals in the forest are forced into a proximity and therefore diseases are being passed from one animal to another, and that second animal is then most likely to infect humans as it is forced into closer contact with humans.
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