Renowned Primatologist Jane Goodall Dies at 91

LONDON, October 2, 2025 — Jane Goodall, the world-renowned primatologist and conservationist whose groundbreaking research on chimpanzees reshapes humanity’s understanding of animal behavior, dies at the age of 91, her institute confirms.

Goodall, born April 3, 1934, in London, revolutionizes primatology with her decades-long study of wild chimpanzees in Tanzania’s Gombe Stream National Park. Her work, beginning in 1960, reveals chimpanzees’ complex social structures, tool-making abilities, and individual personalities, challenging scientific assumptions about the divide between humans and animals. Her empathetic, immersive approach—living among the chimpanzees and assigning them names rather than numbers—sets a new standard for behavioral research.

Beyond her scientific contributions, Goodall emerges as a tireless advocate for environmental conservation and animal welfare. She founds the Jane Goodall Institute in 1977, which promotes wildlife preservation and sustainable development worldwide. Her Roots & Shoots program, launched in 1991, inspires young people across the globe to engage in environmental and humanitarian projects.

Goodall’s accolades include numerous honorary degrees, the UNESCO 60th Anniversary Medal, and being named a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 2004. Her books, such as In the Shadow of Man and Reason for Hope, captivate readers with insights into both chimpanzees and her own life’s mission.

Tributes pour in from scientists, conservationists, and global leaders, who praise her as a transformative figure in science and activism. The Jane Goodall Institute vows to continue her legacy, emphasizing her belief that “every individual makes a difference.”

Details of Goodall’s passing remain private. Her family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Jane Goodall Institute to support ongoing conservation efforts.