Pioneering Primatologist Jane Goodall Dies at 91

Dr. Jane Goodall, the world-renowned primatologist, ethologist, and conservationist whose groundbreaking work with chimpanzees reshaped our understanding of animals and humanity’s place in nature, has passed away at the age of 91. The Jane Goodall Institute (JGI) confirmed she died of natural causes while on a speaking tour in Los Angeles, California, late Tuesday evening. Her death marks the end of an era for science, conservation, and global environmental advocacy, prompting tributes from world leaders, scientists, and millions inspired by her life’s work.

Born Valerie Jane Morris-Goodall on April 3, 1934, in London, England, Goodall’s fascination with animals began in childhood, sparked by a stuffed chimpanzee toy named Jubilee. Without a college degree, she traveled to Kenya in 1957, where she met anthropologist Louis Leakey. In 1960, Leakey sent her to Gombe Stream National Park in Tanzania to study wild chimpanzees, a decision that would change science forever. At just 26, with no formal training, Goodall’s immersive approach—living among the chimps and observing them as a “neighbor”—yielded discoveries that stunned the world.

Her most famous observation came in 1960 when she saw a chimpanzee, David Greybeard, strip leaves from a twig to “fish” for termites, proving primates could create and use tools—a trait previously thought unique to humans. This finding forced dictionaries to redefine “man” as a “tool-using animal.” Goodall also documented chimpanzees’ complex emotions, family bonds, altruism, and even violent behaviors like organized raids, revealing striking parallels to human societies. Her work, popularized through National Geographic, earned her global fame and a Ph.D. from Cambridge University in 1965, despite lacking an undergraduate degree.

By the 1970s, Goodall pivoted to conservation, alarmed by habitat loss threatening chimpanzees. In 1977, she founded the Jane Goodall Institute, now operating in 35 countries, focusing on community-driven conservation and anti-poaching efforts. Her Roots & Shoots program, launched in 1991, empowers youth in over 100 countries to lead environmental initiatives. Traveling 300 days a year into her 90s, Goodall spoke at schools, summits, and the United Nations, where she served as a Messenger of Peace since 2002. Her 25+ books, including In the Shadow of Man and The Book of Hope, blended science with optimism, urging collective action for the planet.

Goodall’s accolades include the U.S. Presidential Medal of Freedom (2025), Dame Commander of the British Empire (2004), and the Kyoto Prize. She inspired generations, particularly women in science, transforming primatology into a field now led by female researchers. Her personal life included marriages to filmmaker Hugo van Lawick (1964–1974), with whom she had a son, Hugo, and musician Derek Bryceson (1975–1980). She is survived by her son, grandchildren, and sister Judy.

Tributes poured in worldwide. Prince William called her an “extraordinary voice for nature,” while Sir David Attenborough praised her for showing scientists and apes could be “true friends.” Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, who shared a personal bond with Goodall, described her as a “visionary humanitarian.” The UN mourned her as a tireless advocate for the planet. On social media, fans shared her iconic quotes, like, “Only if we understand, will we care. Only if we help, shall they be saved,” alongside clips of her humorous 2016 comparison of Donald Trump’s behavior to a male chimpanzee’s dominance displays.

Goodall’s legacy endures through JGI’s ongoing work in habitat preservation and global education. Her life’s message—rooted in hope, empathy, and action—continues to inspire. As one obituary noted, “She didn’t just study chimpanzees; she showed us our shared humanity.” The world mourns a trailblazer whose work bridged species and generations.