Today the world has lost a true guardian of the Earth, a beacon of courage and compassion, and a beloved friend.
Dr. Jane Goodall, a pioneering ethologist and conservationist, passed away at the age of 91 due to natural causes, leaving behind a legacy that has profoundly impacted the fields of wildlife research and environmental advocacy. As the founder of the Jane Goodall Institute and a United Nations Messenger of Peace, her contributions to science and humanitarian efforts have been recognized worldwide.
Born Valerie Jane Morris-Goodall on April 3, 1934, in London, Jane was the eldest daughter of Mortimer Herbert Morris-Goodall, a businessman and racing car driver, and Margaret Myfanwe Joseph, a writer. From a young age, Jane exhibited a deep passion for animals and the natural world, often immersing herself in books about wildlife. Her childhood dream was to travel to Africa, study animals, and write about them—a dream that would eventually become a reality.
Jane’s journey into the world of primatology began when she worked as a waitress to save money for a sea passage to Kenya. There, she was introduced to the renowned paleontologist Dr. Louis Leakey, who recognized her potential and hired her as a secretary at the National Museum in Nairobi. This pivotal moment led to her involvement in fossil exploration at Olduvai Gorge alongside the Leakeys, where her patience and determination impressed Louis.
In 1960, Jane embarked on her groundbreaking study of wild chimpanzees in Gombe Stream National Park, Tanzania. Arriving on July 14, she quickly developed a unique understanding of chimpanzee behavior, making the revolutionary discovery that these primates use tools—an observation that redefined the understanding of what it means to be human. Despite lacking formal qualifications, Jane’s work gained credibility when Louis arranged for her to pursue a PhD in Ethology at Newnham College, Cambridge. Her doctoral thesis, completed in 1965, laid the foundation for decades of research that continues today.
Throughout her life, Jane authored more than 27 books, including works for both adults and children, and appeared in numerous documentaries and films. Her latest publication, The Book of Hope: A Survival Guide for Trying Times, has been translated into over 20 languages, further spreading her message of hope and conservation.
Jane’s advocacy extended beyond chimpanzees. She became a global voice for human rights, animal welfare, and environmental protection, emphasizing the importance of respecting all forms of life on Earth. Her educational initiatives aimed at empowering young people to engage in conservation and humanitarian projects, leading to the establishment of Roots & Shoots in 1991. This program, which began with just 12 students in Dar es Salaam, has grown to encompass over 75 countries, inspiring youth to take action for animals, the environment, and their communities.
In recognition of her remarkable contributions, Jane received numerous awards and accolades throughout her life. In 2002, she was appointed a United Nations Messenger of Peace, and in 2004, she was made a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) by Queen Elizabeth II. Her accolades also include the United States Presidential Medal of Freedom, the French Légion d’honneur, and Japan’s prestigious Kyoto Prize, among many others.
In 1977, Jane founded the Jane Goodall Institute (JGI) to support her research at Gombe. Today, JGI operates 25 offices worldwide, implementing diverse programs focused on conservation, education, and community development. One of her key initiatives, the Tacare program, emphasizes community-centered conservation, empowering local populations to engage in sustainable practices.
Despite her extensive travels—averaging 300 days a year—Jane maintained a strong connection to her roots. She resided in Bournemouth, UK, in the home that had belonged to her grandmother and mother. Her sister, Judy Waters, played a crucial role in supporting Jane’s work, providing a welcoming home base for her when she returned from her travels.
Jane’s personal life included two marriages. Her first husband, Hugo van Lawick, was a Dutch baron and wildlife photographer. They divorced in 1974, and Jane later married Derek Bryceson, a member of Tanzania’s parliament and a former director of Tanzania’s National Parks. Derek passed away in 1980. Jane is survived by her son, Hugo Eric Louis van Lawick, affectionately known as Grub, her three grandchildren—Merlin, Angel, and Nick—and her sister Judy.
Throughout her remarkable career, Jane Goodall inspired generations of scientists and advocates, reminding us of the profound impact each individual can have on the world. Her enduring message, “Every single one of us makes a difference every day – it is up to us as to the kind of difference we make,” continues to resonate as her legacy lives on through ongoing research at Gombe, the work of sanctuaries like Chimp Eden in South Africa and Tchimpounga in the Republic of the Congo, and the Roots & Shoots program that empowers young people to create positive change.
Dr. Jane Goodall’s life was a testament to the power of compassion, dedication, and the relentless pursuit of knowledge. Her contributions to science, conservation, and humanity will be remembered for generations to come, inspiring future leaders to carry forward her mission of protecting our planet and its inhabitants.
