Famed Conservationist Jane Goodall Dies at Age 91

Jane Goodall, the world-renowned primatologist and conservationist, has passed away at the age of 91. Known for her pioneering research on chimpanzees in Tanzania’s Gombe Stream National Park, Goodall leaves behind a global legacy of scientific discovery and environmental advocacy.

Jane Goodall’s Passing Confirmed by Institute

On Wednesday, October 1, 2025, the Jane Goodall Institute released a statement confirming her death from natural causes. At the time of her passing, Goodall was in California on her speaking tour, continuing her lifelong mission to raise awareness about conservation.

The statement read:
“The Jane Goodall Institute has learned this morning that Dr. Jane Goodall DBE, UN Messenger of Peace and Founder of the Jane Goodall Institute, has passed away due to natural causes. She was in California as part of her speaking tour in the United States.”

The Institute emphasized: “Dr. Goodall’s discoveries as an ethologist revolutionized science, and she was a tireless advocate for the protection and restoration of our natural world.”

Early Passion for Animals

Goodall’s love for animals began in childhood when her father gifted her a stuffed chimpanzee instead of a teddy bear. Inspired by books like Tarzan and Dr. Doolittle, she dreamed of living among wild animals.

In 1960, at just 26 years old, Goodall traveled to Tanzania, where she began her historic study of chimpanzees in the wild. Her observations revealed groundbreaking insights — most notably that chimpanzees use tools and display unique personalities.

This discovery changed the way the world understands primates and human evolution, marking one of the greatest scientific achievements of the 20th century.

Founding the Jane Goodall Institute

In 1977, Goodall established the Jane Goodall Institute, an organization dedicated to protecting great apes and their habitats while inspiring young people to take action for animals, communities, and the planet. Her vision of conservation centered on hope, compassion, and coexistence.

Beyond her scientific achievements, she served as a UN Messenger of Peace, spreading her message of environmental stewardship across the globe.



Legacy and Family

Goodall is survived by her son, Hugo Eric Louis van Lawick, and her two grandchildren. Her life’s work continues through the Jane Goodall Institute and the countless conservation projects she inspired worldwide.

Jane Goodall’s death marks the end of an era in wildlife conservation, but her influence will guide generations to come.