The Legacy of Dame Jane Goodall: A Titan of Conservation Dies at 91

Fri Oct 10 2025 14:09:00 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

The world mourns the loss of Dame Jane Goodall, a pioneering conservationist and renowned expert on chimpanzees, who passed away at the age of 91 during a speaking tour in California.

Dame Jane Goodall, the famed conservationist and chimpanzee expert, has died at 91. Her groundbreaking research transformed our understanding of these primates and she was a passionate advocate for wildlife conservation worldwide. Goodall's tireless efforts earned her accolades, including a Damehood and the US Presidential Medal of Freedom. Her death leaves a profound impact on conservation efforts and humanity's connection to nature.

Dame Jane Goodall, a world-leading expert on chimpanzees and a renowned conservationist, has passed away at the age of 91. Goodall died of natural causes while on a speaking tour in California, confirmed by the Jane Goodall Institute.

Known for her groundbreaking observations, Goodall's research not only revealed the close relational ties between humans and chimpanzees but also led to a revolution in the field of primatology. She worked relentlessly on various conservation projects across the globe.

The United Nations and Greenpeace expressed deep sorrow over her passing, recognizing her as one of the greatest conservation figures of our time, with Greenpeace's UK co-executive director stating, Dr Goodall's legacy is not only in science but in the global movement she helped spark to protect nature and give hope for a better world.

Born in London in 1934, Goodall developed an early interest in animals, inspired by books such as The Story of Dr Doolittle. Despite lacking formal qualifications, her passion and innate understanding of wildlife led her to meet influential primatologist Prof Louis Leakey, who provided her with opportunities to conduct pioneering research in Tanzania.

In 1960, she became the first to record tool use in chimpanzees, challenging long-held perceptions about animal intelligence. Her observations and findings gained global attention, culminating in her appearance on the cover of National Geographic in 1965.

Goodall established the Jane Goodall Institute in 1977, dedicating her life to the protection of chimpanzees and promoting environmental sustainability. She made significant contributions to wildlife advocacy, animal rights, and conservation, even being named a Dame in 2003 and awarded the US Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2025.

Throughout her later years, Goodall remained an inspiration, speaking globally about the need for conservation and a sustainable future for the planet. She did not slow down even as she approached her ninetieth birthday, reflecting her lifelong commitment to activism and education.