Dame Jane Goodall, the iconic British conservationist and primatologist celebrated for her pioneering work with chimpanzees, passed away on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at the age of 91. The Jane Goodall Institute announced she died of natural causes while on a speaking tour in California, USA.

Goodall's revolutionary observations of wild chimpanzees in Tanzania challenged long-held scientific beliefs about the distinctions between humans and animals, profoundly influencing ethology and conservation efforts worldwide.

A Legacy Forged in Gombe

Born Valerie Jane Morris-Goodall in London in 1934, Dame Jane's fascination with animals began in childhood. In 1960, at just 26 years old and with little formal scientific training, she embarked on her seminal research at the Gombe Stream National Park in what was then Tanganyika (now Tanzania). Her unorthodox approach involved immersing herself in the chimpanzees' habitat, observing them as a neighbour rather than a distant observer.

Within months of her arrival, Goodall made a groundbreaking discovery: she observed a chimpanzee named David Greybeard using a stripped twig to 'fish' for termites, demonstrating that chimpanzees not only used tools but also made them. This challenged the prevailing scientific view that tool-making was an exclusively human trait, prompting anthropologist Louis S.B. Leakey to famously state, 'Now we must redefine 'tool,' redefine 'man,' or accept chimpanzees as humans.'

Her extensive, long-term study at Gombe, spanning over 60 years, revealed the complex social structures, individual personalities, and emotional lives of chimpanzees, blurring the lines between human and animal behaviour.

From Scientist to Global Advocate

A pivotal moment in Goodall's career came in 1986 at a primatology conference in Chicago, where she was confronted with the devastating scale of deforestation and the inhumane treatment of chimpanzees in laboratories. This experience transformed her from a researcher into a tireless activist.

In 1977, she founded the Jane Goodall Institute (JGI) to support the ongoing research at Gombe and to expand efforts for chimpanzee protection and habitat conservation globally. The JGI is renowned for its community-centred conservation and development programmes across Africa, recognising the crucial role local communities play in environmental well-being.

Goodall also established the 'Roots & Shoots' programme in 1991, a global youth initiative empowering young people to engage in hands-on projects for animals, the environment, and their communities. She travelled nearly 300 days a year, even into her 90s, to speak about environmental crises, advocate for animal welfare, and inspire hope for the future.

Impact and Recognition

Dame Jane's work earned her numerous accolades, including being named a United Nations Messenger of Peace in 2002. In January 2025, she was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by then-US President Joe Biden. Her influence extended beyond scientific circles, inspiring generations to care deeply about the natural world and its inhabitants.

Evidence/Data

• Date of Death: October 1, 2025
• Age at Death: 91 years
• Cause of Death: Natural causes
• Location of Death: California, USA (during a speaking tour)
• Start of Gombe Research: 1960
• Founding of Jane Goodall Institute: 1977
• Founding of Roots & Shoots: 1991
• UN Messenger of Peace Appointment: 2002
• Presidential Medal of Freedom: January 2025

Risks/Implications

Dame Jane Goodall's passing leaves a significant void in global conservation leadership. Her unique ability to connect scientific research with public advocacy was instrumental in raising awareness and driving action for environmental protection and animal welfare. The challenge now lies in ensuring her legacy continues to inspire and mobilise new generations of conservationists and activists to address ongoing environmental crises.

What to Watch

Attention will turn to the Jane Goodall Institute and its global network of programmes, including Roots & Shoots, to see how they will continue to champion her vision and adapt to future conservation challenges. The ongoing work at Gombe Stream National Park remains a critical part of her scientific legacy.