Dame Jane Goodall, the world-renowned primatologist and conservationist, has passed away at the age of 91 while on a speaking tour in California. Her death, from natural causes, marks the end of a remarkable life dedicated to science, wildlife, and the environment.
Tributes have poured in from across the globe. Former U.S. President Barack Obama praised her for “opening doors for generations of women in science,” while actor and environmentalist Leonardo DiCaprio called her “a true hero for the planet.” The United Nations mourned her as a tireless champion for nature, and Greenpeace described her as “one of the true conservation giants of our time.”
A Trailblazer in Science
Born in London in 1934, Goodall’s fascination with animals began in childhood. In 1960, guided by anthropologist Louis Leakey, she embarked on groundbreaking research in Tanzania’s Gombe Stream National Park. There, she made the historic discovery that chimpanzees use tools—once thought to be a uniquely human trait. Her observations transformed scientific understanding of animal intelligence and social behavior, challenging long-held assumptions about the divide between humans and animals.
Her work was widely celebrated, including a 1965 National Geographic cover story and documentary narrated by Orson Welles. Despite skepticism from the male-dominated scientific community, Goodall’s close, empathetic approach—naming and bonding with the chimps she studied—redefined field research. She went on to earn her PhD without having completed an undergraduate degree, a testament to the significance of her findings.
From Scientist to Global Advocate
Over time, Goodall expanded her mission from research to activism. She fought against the exploitation of chimpanzees in captivity, campaigned for animal welfare, and became a leading voice on climate change and habitat destruction. “We’re in the midst of the sixth great extinction,” she warned in 2024, urging urgent action to restore forests and protect wildlife.
In 1977, she founded the Jane Goodall Institute, which continues her mission of wildlife conservation and community-centered environmental projects. Her youth program, Roots & Shoots, has inspired young people worldwide to take action for animals, people, and the planet.
Honors and Legacy
Goodall’s tireless advocacy earned her global recognition. She was appointed a Dame in 2003, received the U.S. Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2025, and served as a United Nations Messenger of Peace since 2002. Known for her relentless travel schedule, she often joked that she had not slept in the same bed for more than three weeks since 1986. Even in her final days, she continued to inspire audiences—appearing on stage in New York just a week before her passing.
Leaders, environmentalists, and admirers worldwide continue to celebrate her extraordinary life. Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, called her a “visionary humanitarian, scientist, friend to the planet, and friend to us.” Former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau remembered her compassion, while naturalist Chris Packham called her “revolutionary” and “remarkable.”
An Enduring Inspiration
Jane Goodall leaves behind more than her scientific discoveries; she leaves a movement rooted in hope, action, and respect for all living beings. Her legacy lives on through the millions she inspired to protect nature and imagine a better future.
As DiCaprio noted, she inspired “millions to care, to act, and to hope.” Today, the world mourns not only a scientist, but a visionary who reshaped our understanding of life on Earth.
