Jane Goodall, the pioneering British primatologist, zoologist, anthropologist, and conservationist widely regarded as the world’s leading expert on chimpanzees, has died aged 91.
The Jane Goodall Institute has announced her passing.
“The Jane Goodall Institute has learned this morning, Wednesday, October 1, 2025, that Dr. Jane Goodall DBE, UN Messenger of Peace and Founder of the Jane Goodall Institute has passed away due to natural causes,” the statement read.
“She was in California as part of her speaking tour in the United States. Dr. Goodall’s discoveries as an ethologist revolutionized science, and she was a tireless advocate for the protection and restoration of our natural world.”
As per the institute, the renowned zoologist died of natural causes.
Goodall spent 60 years of her life studying chimpanzees, transforming human understanding of these magnificent creatures through her groundbreaking research at Tanzania’s Gombe National Park
Her studies and observations on chimpanzees’ behavior revealed that they use tools and have complex social lives.
Despite having no formal scientific training, anthropologist Louis Leakey encouraged her to pursue primatology, later earning a doctorate from Cambridge.
Throughout her life, Goodall became a global advocate for animal welfare and environmental conservation. In 1977, she founded the Jane Goodall Institute to protect great apes and their habitats.
She traveled the world sharing her vision, the UN named her a Messenger of Peace in 2002, and the Queen awarded her a damehood in 2004. Goodall left a lasting legacy as one of the most influential primatologists in history.
“I’m desperate to make a difference before it’s too late,” Goodall told Parade in 2009, asked why she continued working past what many see as a retirement age. “We can just give up, or we can say, ‘We’ve done a lot of harm to the environment, but we’re going to fight for what’s left.’”
Throughout her decades-long career, Goodall faced both criticism and challenges. Early in her work, traditional scientists questioned her approach of naming chimpanzees and attributing emotions to them, arguing it was unscientific.
However, her groundbreaking insights won over skeptics.
Tributes came pouring in for Goodall after her sudden passing.
Among those who praised her life and work were the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, former US presidents Joe Biden, Bill Clinton and Barack Obama, and a number of influential people, celebrities and fans of Goodall’s work.
Actor Leonardo DiCaprio said “we all must carry the torch” for Dame Jane” and protect “our one shared home.”
While the world mourns Jane Goodall’s loss, her legacy continues to inspire.
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