09/11/2026
When Dr. Jane Goodall saw the Survivor Tree at Ground Zero, she was moved to tears. Jane happened to be in New York City when the towers fell on September 11, 2001, and her visit to the September 11 Memorial over ten years later, particularly to meet the Survivor Tree, held great significance.
Jane also had the opportunity to meet Richie Cabo, the nursery manager who became the Survivor Tree's primary caregiver. Richie described to her how the Callery pear tree was pulled from the rubble of the World Trade Center, severely damaged and burned. He explained how she was carefully restored and replanted at the memorial, a survival story that deeply touched Jane and spoke to her steadfast belief in nature's resiliency. Jane recounted this visit in her book, "Seeds of Hope":
"As we walked toward this special tree, I felt as much in awe as if I were going to meet one of the great spiritual leaders or shamans. She is not spectacular to look at — not until you realize what she has been through and understand the miracle of her survival. We stood together outside the protective railing. We reached out to gently touch the ends of her branches. Many of us, perhaps all, had tears in our eyes — my own eyes were too blurred to be sure."
📸: NYC Parks
