Dame Jane Goodall, a world-leading expert on chimpanzees and renowned conservationist, passed away at the age of 91 while on a speaking tour in California. Her groundbreaking research revealing the close genetic ties between humans and chimpanzees has significantly influenced the field of primatology.
The Jane Goodall Institute, established by her, confirmed her death due to natural causes, praising her as a tireless advocate for the protection and restoration of our natural world, and noting that her discoveries revolutionised science.
The United Nations expressed its sorrow over her passing, highlighting Goodall's lifelong dedication to advocating for the planet and its inhabitants, which left a profound legacy for future generations.
Environmental organization Greenpeace described her as “one of the true conservation giants of our time,” emphasizing her impact on the global movement to protect nature. Will McCallum, co-executive director of Greenpeace UK, stated, “Dr. Goodall's legacy is not only in science but in the global movement she helped spark to protect nature.”
Throughout her illustrious career, Goodall became the first to observe an animal using tools, a finding that challenged long-held beliefs regarding primate intelligence. Her extensive studies showcased chimpanzee emotional and social complexities, earning her a place on the cover of National Geographic in 1965.
Goodall, born in 1934 in London, developed a fascination with animals early in life, a passion that eventually led to her groundbreaking work on the behavior of chimpanzees in Tanzania. She was recognized for her contributions with numerous accolades, including being appointed a Dame in 2003 and receiving the US Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2025.
Her legacy endures through the Jane Goodall Institute, which focuses on wildlife conservation and community-centered projects. Until her passing, she remained actively engaged in advocacy and education, inspiring future conservationists to strive for a better world.
