Renowned Primatologist and Conservationist Jane Goodall Dies at 91

A Life Dedicated to Chimpanzees and Conservation

Dame Jane Morris Goodall, the celebrated British primatologist and conservationist, passed away on October 1, 2025, at the age of 91. She died of natural causes in Los Angeles, California, while on a speaking tour in the United States. Goodall was globally recognized for her transformative six decades of research into the social and family lives of wild chimpanzees at Gombe Stream National Park in Tanzania.

Her work fundamentally reshaped scientific understanding of primates and the relationship between humans and the animal kingdom. Tributes poured in from around the world, acknowledging her profound impact on science, conservation, and animal welfare.

Groundbreaking Discoveries at Gombe

Goodall began her pioneering research in 1960, immersing herself in the chimpanzees' habitat. Her observations led to several revolutionary discoveries that challenged prevailing scientific beliefs.

• She was the first to observe chimpanzees making and using tools, such as stripping leaves from twigs to 'fish' for termites. This discovery, initially met with skepticism, forced a re-evaluation of what defined humanity.
• Goodall documented that chimpanzees are omnivorous, not solely vegetarian, and observed them hunting and eating meat.
• Her research revealed the complex social structures, individual personalities, and emotional depth of chimpanzees, including behaviors like hugs, kisses, grief, and even warfare, previously thought to be unique to humans.

Breaking scientific convention, Goodall named the chimpanzees she studied, such as David Greybeard, rather than numbering them, fostering a deeper understanding and empathy for the animals.

A Tireless Advocate and Global Legacy

Beyond her scientific fieldwork, Dame Jane Goodall became a tireless advocate for conservation and animal welfare. In 1977, she established the Jane Goodall Institute (JGI) to continue supporting the Gombe research and to expand efforts in chimpanzee protection and habitat conservation globally. The JGI, headquartered in Washington, DC, operates in over 25 countries.

In 1991, she founded Roots & Shoots, a global youth program that empowers young people to undertake projects benefiting animals, the environment, and human communities. Goodall traveled extensively, often up to 300 days a year, even in her later years, to spread her message of hope and the urgent need for environmental action.

Honors and Enduring Influence

Goodall's remarkable contributions earned her numerous accolades throughout her life. She was appointed a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) in 2004 and designated a United Nations Messenger of Peace in 2002. Other significant honors include the Kyoto Prize in 1990, the Templeton Prize in 2021, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2025.

She is survived by her son, Hugo Eric Louis van Lawick, three grandchildren, and her sister, Judy. Her legacy continues through the ongoing work of the Jane Goodall Institute and the millions she inspired to protect the natural world.