Dame Jane Goodall, DBE, the world-renowned primatologist whose groundbreaking research transformed our understanding of chimpanzees and ignited a global movement for conservation and animal welfare, died on October 1, 2025, in Los Angeles, California. She was 91 years old. Her death marks the end of an era for science and environmental advocacy, leaving behind a legacy that spans decades of meticulous fieldwork, profound scientific discovery, and tireless activism.
A Childhood Dream Takes Flight
Born Valerie Jane Morris-Goodall in London on April 3, 1934, her fascination with animals began in early childhood. Inspired by books and a beloved stuffed chimpanzee named Jubilee, she harbored a deep yearning to live among the wildlife of Africa. This dream propelled her to leave school at 18 and work to fund her passage to Kenya. There, she met the esteemed paleoanthropologist Louis Leakey, who recognized her inherent patience and keen observational skills. Despite lacking a formal university degree, Leakey selected her in 1960 to undertake a study of wild chimpanzees in what was then Tanganyika (now Tanzania), believing her unclouded perspective would yield unique insights into early human behavior.
Gombe: The Cradle of Discovery
Arriving on the shores of Lake Tanganyika in July 1960, Goodall ventured into the Gombe Stream Chimpanzee Reserve. With little more than binoculars and a notebook, she embarked on a journey that would redefine our relationship with the natural world. Her approach was unconventional; she immersed herself in the chimpanzees’ habitat, patiently gaining their trust, and controversially chose to name the individuals she studied rather than assign them numbers, a practice that challenged scientific norms but allowed for deeper connection and observation.
Over years of dedicated fieldwork, Goodall made a series of groundbreaking discoveries. She documented chimpanzees making and using tools, such as modifying grass stems to extract termites from mounds, shattering the long-held scientific belief that tool use was exclusively a human trait. She also observed that chimpanzees were not solely vegetarians but actively hunted and ate meat, and revealed their complex social structures, including intricate family bonds, sophisticated communication, and a range of emotions akin to those of humans, such as joy, sorrow, and even brutal aggression, exemplified by the documented Gombe Chimpanzee War. Her work revealed that chimpanzees possessed distinct personalities and emotional depths previously unacknowledged.
Shaping Scientific and Public Understanding
Goodall’s findings profoundly challenged the prevailing scientific dogma of human exceptionalism, blurring the lines between humans and other animals and forcing a re-evaluation of what it means to be human. Her research revolutionized the field of primatology and ethology, opening doors for a new generation of scientists, particularly women, who were largely absent from the field when she began. Her detailed observations, brought to the world through iconic National Geographic publications and documentaries, propelled her into the global spotlight and sparked widespread public interest in the lives of our closest living relatives.
From Scientist to Tireless Advocate
While her scientific contributions were monumental, a pivotal moment came in 1986 at a conference in Chicago, where Goodall was confronted with the stark realities of deforestation and the cruelty of laboratory experiments. This experience marked a turning point, shifting her focus from observation to full-time activism. She famously stated, “I went to the conference as a scientist, and I left as an activist”. Recognizing that conservation efforts could not succeed without addressing human needs, she championed a holistic, community-centered approach.
The Jane Goodall Institute and Roots & Shoots: A Global Network of Hope
In 1977, Goodall founded the Jane Goodall Institute (JGI) to support her ongoing research at Gombe and to champion the protection of chimpanzees and their habitats globally. The JGI evolved into a leading force in community-centered conservation, with offices in numerous countries working to protect wildlife and empower local populations.
In 1991, she established Roots & Shoots, a youth-led global program designed to empower young people to become agents of change in their communities. Beginning with a dozen teenagers on her back porch in Tanzania, Roots & Shoots has grown into a vast international movement, active in over 100 countries and involving hundreds of thousands of young people who undertake projects for people, animals, and the environment. Goodall often cited Roots & Shoots as her proudest achievement.
A Global Force for Change and a Message of Hope
Throughout her life, Dame Jane Goodall became a global icon for conservation, environmental protection, and animal welfare. Named a United Nations Messenger of Peace in 2002, she traveled nearly 300 days a year, well into her 90s, delivering her powerful message of hope to audiences worldwide. She advocated for ethical consumerism, spoke out against the grim realities of the climate crisis, and urged individuals to “use the gift of our life to make the world a better place”. Her influence extended to inspiring countless women to pursue careers in science and environmental activism, reshaping the landscape of top scientific fields.
Awards and Recognition
Her lifetime of work earned her unparalleled accolades, including Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) in 2003, the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2025, the Templeton Prize in 2021, the Stephen Hawking Medal for Science Communication in 2022, the Kyoto Prize, the French Legion of Honour, and the Tyler Prize for Environmental Achievement, among many others.
Personal Life
Goodall was married twice. Her first husband was Dutch wildlife photographer Baron Hugo van Lawick, with whom she had a son, Hugo Eric Louis van Lawick. They divorced in 1974. She later married Derek Bryceson, a member of Tanzania’s parliament and director of its national parks, who passed away in 1980.
An Enduring Legacy
Jane Goodall’s legacy is one of profound scientific insight, unwavering dedication, and boundless hope. She not only revolutionized our understanding of primates but also demonstrated the power of one individual to inspire global change. Her work continues through the Jane Goodall Institute and the Roots & Shoots program, carrying forward her mission to foster a more harmonious and sustainable relationship between people, animals, and the planet we share. Her message that “every single one of us makes a difference every day” remains a guiding principle for generations to come.
