Ape Expert Jane Goodall Tells Why She Believes in BigfootGregSaturday, April 4th0 Comments1 min read Celebrated primatologist Jane Goodall turned 81 yesterday. Back in 2002, Goodall controversially stated in an interview on NPR – prompted by a question from a caller – that she believed that a Bigfoot-type species did indeed exist, citing reports from Native Americans she has spoken to, as well as a news story at the time about a possible Yeti hair having been discovered. Edited audio from the original interview can be listened to in the animated clip below (the transcript of the relevant section is underneath): Caller: I wanted to know if you believe there are any undiscovered large ape species. Jane Goodall: You’re talking about Yeti, or Bigfoot, or Sasquatch? Ira Flatow: Is that what he’s talking about? Jane Goodall: Yes, yes he is. Caller: Ah, pretty much. Ira Flatow: *laughing* I’m out of the loop. Jane Goodall: Well now, you’ll be amazed, when I tell you that I’m *sure* that they exist. I’ve talked to so many Native Americans, who’ve all described the same sounds, two who’ve seen them. And there was a little tiny snippet in the newspaper just last week, which is that British scientists have found what they believe to be a Yeti hair, and that the scientists in the Natural History Museum of London couldn’t identify it as any known animal. Ira Flatow: Did you always have this belief, that they existed? Jane Goodall: Well I’m a romantic, so I always wanted them to exist… (h/t Disinfo.com) Related: Scientists Gather 37 Samples Alleged to be from Yetis and Bigfoot – and Return with a Surprising Conclusion