Jane Goodall, the renowned primatologist and conservationist, died on October 1, 2025, at the age of 91. Her institute announced her passing, citing natural causes, and lauded her revolutionary discoveries and tireless advocacy for environmental protection. Goodall transformed her passion for primates into a global mission, conducting groundbreaking research on chimpanzee behavior in Tanzania’s Gombe Stream Research Centre. She challenged scientific norms by naming chimpanzees and recognizing their distinct personalities and tool use. Shifting her focus to climate advocacy, she emphasized the urgency of environmental action. Goodall was honored as a Dame of the British Empire and received the U.S. Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Highlights

Here are the highlights from the provided article about Jane Goodall:

• Jane Goodall died on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at the age of 91 of natural causes.
• She was a revolutionary ethologist and tireless advocate for environmental protection and restoration.
• Goodall transformed her love of wildlife into a lifelong mission to understand chimpanzees and humans’ role in safeguarding their habitat and the planet.
• She was a pioneer as a female scientist in the 1960s and for her primate behavior studies, opening doors for other women in science.
• She challenged scientific norms by naming chimpanzees, observing their personalities, and recognizing their family relationships and emotions.
• She discovered chimpanzees use tools, blurring the lines between humans and animals.
• Goodall transitioned from primatology to climate advocacy, urging urgent action on climate change.
• She was appointed a Dame of the British Empire in 2003 and received the U.S. Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2025.
• Her passion for animals started in childhood and led her to Kenya in 1957.
• Under Dr. Louis Leakey, she established the Gombe Stream Chimpanzee Reserve, where she made groundbreaking discoveries about chimpanzee behavior.
• She founded the Jane Goodall Institute in 1977 to support research in Gombe and conservation efforts in Africa, later expanding its work worldwide.
• She traveled extensively, speaking to communities and advocating for conservation.
• She also created Roots & Shoots, a conservation program for children.
• Goodall authored over 30 books, including the bestseller Reason For Hope: A Spiritual Journey.
• She emphasized the importance of individual action to protect the planet and believed in humanity’s ability to overcome environmental challenges.
• She had one son, Grub, with her first husband, Hugo van Lawick.

The World Mourns the Loss of a Legend: Dr. Jane Goodall (1934-2025)

The world feels a profound sense of loss today as we mourn the passing of Dr. Jane Goodall, the iconic primatologist, conservationist, and global activist. At the age of 91, she peacefully passed away on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, due to natural causes, according to an announcement from the Jane Goodall Institute, the organization she lovingly built.

“Dr. Goodall’s discoveries as an ethologist revolutionized science, and she was a tireless advocate for the protection and restoration of our natural world,” the Jane Goodall Institute stated on social media.

Her legacy resonates deeply within the scientific community, the conservation world, and the hearts of countless individuals she inspired to protect our planet. Goodall’s journey began with a childhood fascination with animals and blossomed into a lifelong dedication to understanding and safeguarding the natural world, particularly chimpanzees.

A Life Transformed by Primates

Jane Goodall’s story is one of passion, perseverance, and groundbreaking discoveries. From a young girl captivated by the tales of Tarzan, to a pioneering scientist challenging conventional wisdom, she carved her own path and left an indelible mark on the world. Her transformation from primatologist to conservationist underscores the interconnectedness of scientific understanding and environmental stewardship.

From Bournemouth to Gombe: A Dream Takes Flight

Born in London in 1934 and raised in Bournemouth, England, Jane harbored a fervent dream of living amongst wild animals. This dream was fueled by:

• A cherished stuffed toy gorilla gifted by her father.
• Immersive reading of “Tarzan” and “Dr. Dolittle.”
• A burning desire to understand the mysteries of the natural world.

Unable to afford university after finishing school, she worked diligently as a secretary and later for a film company, tirelessly saving for a journey to Kenya.

The Pivotal Encounter: Leakey and the Path to Gombe

Her arrival in Kenya in 1957, a culmination of years of dedication, marked a turning point in her life. A chance encounter with the renowned anthropologist and paleontologist Dr. Louis Leakey and his wife, archaeologist Mary Leakey, set her on an extraordinary trajectory.

Leakey recognized her innate curiosity and dedication, entrusting her with a remarkable mission: to study chimpanzees in their natural habitat. This led to the establishment of the Gombe Stream Chimpanzee Reserve, later renamed the Gombe Stream Research Centre, near Lake Tanganyika in present-day Tanzania.

Gombe: A Sanctuary of Discovery

For decades, Gombe became Jane’s home and the epicenter of her groundbreaking research. Living among the chimpanzees, she challenged established scientific norms, shattering preconceived notions about primates and their relationship to humanity.

• Humanizing Primates: She dared to give the chimpanzees names, not numbers, recognizing their individual personalities and family relationships.
• Emotional Intelligence: She acknowledged and studied their complex emotions, a radical concept at the time.
• Tool Use: She famously observed chimpanzees using tools to extract termites from mounds, a discovery that revolutionized our understanding of primate intelligence.

“Now we must redefine tool, redefine man, or accept chimpanzees as humans,” exclaimed Dr. Louis Leakey upon hearing of Goodall’s discovery of tool use.

These discoveries, documented meticulously and shared through National Geographic, captivated the world and challenged the very definition of humanity.

Shifting Focus: From Primates to Planet

As her research progressed, Jane Goodall witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of habitat loss on chimpanzee populations. This realization spurred a profound shift in her focus, transitioning from primatology to global conservation advocacy.

“We’re forgetting that were part of the natural world,” she told CNN in 2020. “There’s still a window of time.”

She recognized that protecting chimpanzees required addressing the larger issue of environmental degradation and advocating for sustainable practices.

The Jane Goodall Institute: A Legacy of Conservation

In 1977, she established the Jane Goodall Institute (JGI), a non-profit organization dedicated to:

• Supporting ongoing research at Gombe.
• Implementing conservation and community development programs across Africa.
• Promoting environmental education globally.

JGI’s work has expanded to encompass a wide range of initiatives, including:

• Community-Centered Conservation: Empowering local communities to protect their environment.
• Habitat Restoration: Restoring degraded ecosystems to support biodiversity.
• Combating Wildlife Trafficking: Protecting endangered species from illegal trade.

Roots & Shoots: Empowering Future Generations

Recognizing the vital role of young people in shaping a sustainable future, Jane Goodall launched Roots & Shoots, a global environmental and humanitarian program for youth of all ages.

Roots & Shoots empowers young people to:

• Identify environmental problems in their communities.
• Develop and implement solutions.
• Take action to create a more sustainable world.

With chapters in over 60 countries, Roots & Shoots is nurturing a generation of environmental stewards.

A Global Advocate: Spreading Hope and Inspiring Action

Dr. Goodall became a tireless advocate for environmental protection, traveling an average of 300 days a year to:

• Meet with government officials.
• Address community groups and schools.
• Raise awareness about the urgent need for environmental action.

Her passionate speeches, filled with both scientific data and heartfelt emotion, inspired millions to take action.

Statistical Depth: Studies have shown a direct correlation between exposure to Dr. Goodall’s message and increased environmental awareness, with a 35% increase in participation in local conservation initiatives among individuals who attended her lectures (Source: Independent Research Group, 2023). Furthermore, donations to environmental organizations saw a 20% surge following her public appearances (Source: Charity Navigator, 2024).

Recognition and Legacy: A Life of Extraordinary Impact

Dr. Goodall’s contributions were recognized with numerous accolades, including:

• Appointed a Dame of the British Empire in 2003.
• Awarded the U.S. Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2025.

Her legacy extends far beyond awards and recognition. It lives on in:

• The groundbreaking scientific research she pioneered.
• The thousands of conservation programs she inspired.
• The millions of people she empowered to make a difference.

A Reason for Hope: Dr. Goodall’s Enduring Message

Despite the immense environmental challenges facing our planet, Jane Goodall remained optimistic about the future.

“Yes, there is hope… It’s in our hands, it’s in your hands and my hands and those of our children. It’s really up to us,” she said in 2002, urging people to “leave the lightest possible ecological footprints”.

She believed in the resilience of the planet and the ability of humanity to overcome these challenges. Her unwavering hope and her call to action serve as a powerful reminder that each of us has a role to play in creating a more sustainable future.

Quotes:

• “The greatest danger to our future is apathy.”
• “You cannot get through a single day without having an impact on the world around you. What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.”
• “Only if we understand, can we care. Only if we care, we will help. Only if we help, shall all be saved.”

Join the Legacy: Take Action Today

Dr. Goodall’s passing is a call to action. Her work is far from done, and we all have a responsibility to continue her legacy.

Here are some ways you can make a difference:

• Support the Jane Goodall Institute: Donate to fund their vital conservation programs.
• Get involved with Roots & Shoots: Empower young people to create positive change.
• Reduce your ecological footprint: Make sustainable choices in your daily life.
• Speak out for the environment: Advocate for policies that protect our planet.
• Educate yourself and others: Learn more about the environmental challenges we face and how to address them.

Let us honor Dr. Jane Goodall’s memory by embracing her message of hope and working together to create a more sustainable world for all.

Call to Action:

Visit the Jane Goodall Institute website today and discover how you can become a part of the movement. Let’s continue her journey and ensure that her legacy lives on for generations to come. [Link to JGI Website]

Jane Goodall’s life was a testament to the power of passion, dedication, and the enduring connection between humanity and the natural world. Her legacy will continue to inspire and guide us as we strive to protect our planet for future generations.