Farewell to a life devoted to science and hope
Renowned primatologist and animal-rights advocate Jane Goodall has died at the age of 91, ending a career that blended scientific discovery with relentless advocacy. Reports indicate she remained deeply active in her mission until the very end, taking part in interviews and public appearances as part of a global speaking program. A week before her death, she was on stage in New York discussing her decades of fieldwork and the work of the Jane Goodall Institute. Just two days later, on 26 September, she appeared on a Wall Street Journal podcast. Her calendar also listed forthcoming dates, including an October 3 appearance in California and a October 7 stop in Washington, DC, underscoring a life spent traveling to share science, hope, and action.
The spark that launched a sixty-year journey with chimpanzees
Goodall’s curiosity about the natural world began in childhood in London, where she cites Dr. Dolittle and grand animal tales as early inspirations. At 26, she embarked on her first research trip to Tanzania in 1960—an expedition that would grow into a sixty-year study of wild chimpanzees. What set her apart was not just daring to study in a field with few women researchers, but her ability to earn the trust of the very subjects she sought to understand. Among her most famous observations was the discovery that chimpanzees use tools, such as a chimpanzee digging termites from a mound with a stick—an insight that challenged the long-held belief that such behavior distinguished humans alone. The impact of her work was amplified when National Geographic featured her on the cover in 1965, signaling a new era in both primatology and public awareness of chimpanzee life.
A scientist who became a global advocate
Goodall’s discoveries reshaped not only the science of animal behavior but also the broader conversation about humanity’s place in the natural world. Her observations helped redefine what it means to be intelligent and socially complex among primates, prompting scientists and the public to reassess how humans relate to other species. Beyond the lab, she became a tireless champion for chimpanzee welfare and habitat conservation, translating curiosity into action through education and outreach. A Native American tribe reportedly gave her the name “Sister of Mother Earth,” reflecting her deep bond with the environment and her conviction that humans are part of a shared ecological community.
From science to global stewardship
Through the Jane Goodall Institute, she championed conservation and community-led science. The institute’s mission—“building an international community of action fueled by hope”—captured the dual spirit of her work: rigorous science paired with hopeful, practical activism. She also founded Roots & Shoots to empower young people to take action for people, animals, and the environment, ensuring that the next generation carries forward her blend of empathy and evidence-based advocacy. Her lifelong work has shaped policy discussions, inspired countless researchers, and educated millions about the interconnectedness of all living beings.
A late-life phase and a lasting legacy
Even as age advanced, Goodall remained a public voice for science, animal welfare, and sustainable living. Her ongoing speaking engagements, interviews, and participation in forums reflected a commitment to extending her influence beyond academia into everyday actions that protect ecosystems. The Institute’s ongoing programs, education initiatives, and field-based conservation projects continue to carry forward her vision of a hopeful, action-oriented approach to science and stewardship.
Remembering a pioneer
Jane Goodall’s legacy extends far beyond the pages of field guides and scientific journals. She democratized science—inviting people of all ages to observe, learn, and contribute to a more compassionate world. Her life bridged the gap between discovery and duty: a researcher who not only documented chimpanzee life but also championed their protection and the health of our shared planet. As communities around the world carry forward her work, her example remains a compass for researchers, educators, and activists alike, reminding us that a hopeful, informed public can drive meaningful change.
