• by Paul Gough , March 24, 2003

Discovery Communications announced Monday an integrated partnership with renowned animal expert Jane Goodall's research and education foundation.

The deal will include at least one documentary produced in association with the Jane Goodall Institute running within a year or so on Discovery's Animal Planet along with a major online component and appearances by Goodall. Terms of the deal weren't announced. And it wasn't clear when the first special would run.

"We're working on those now ... There are a number of ideas on the table," said Michael Cascio, EVP/general manager of Animal Planet. The channel is available more than 80 million homes nationwide.

Goodall is renowned for her study of the chimpanzees of the Gombe National Park in what is now Tanzania. She founded the Jane Goodall Institute for Wildlife Research, Education and Conservation in 1977 to continue field research on wild chimpanzees. The institute has expanded its mission to include empowering individuals to take informed, compassionate action to improve the environment for every living thing.

Discovery Communications President Billy Campbell said the company shared Goodall's "excitement, integrity and passion for all things animal" and was excited to work with her.

"This is a big step for us, because it connects us with the world's most important expert in this area, both in terms of her research and her mission," Cascio said.

Goodall said it was a great opportunity to get the message out through Animal Planet.

"I meet so many young people in so many different countries that sit glued to Animal Planet. They just love it," Goodall said.

She added, "It's important now more than ever, when it's desperately important to get a positive message to kids to help them understand that they can make a difference in the world and not to be too depressed by what's going on."