Conservationist Jane Goodall, whose work revolutionized the study of primates, has died

Jane Goodall, pioneering primatologist and conservationist, dies at 91

Jane Goodall, the world-renowned primatologist whose groundbreaking work transformed our understanding of animal behavior and emotions, has died at the age of 91, her institute announced Wednesday.

Goodall passed away of natural causes in California while on a speaking tour in the United States, according to the Jane Goodall Institute.

“Dr. Goodall’s discoveries as an ethologist revolutionized science, and she was a tireless advocate for the protection and restoration of our natural world,” the institute said in a statement.

Her life’s work with chimpanzees in Tanzania’s Gombe Stream National Park not only redefined how scientists study animals, but also revealed their emotions, social bonds, and intelligence in ways that blurred the line between humans and other primates.

Born in London in 1934, Goodall’s fascination with animals began in childhood, encouraged by her mother’s unwavering support. At 26, she arrived in Gombe in 1960 under the guidance of famed anthropologist Louis Leakey. There she began the work that would change her life—and science—forever.

Her observations of chimpanzees using and making tools, eating meat, and displaying complex emotional behaviors were revolutionary. She rejected the detached methods of her peers, instead living closely among the chimps, giving them names rather than numbers, and documenting their personalities.

Though initially dismissed by some in academia for her unconventional approach and lack of formal training, Goodall’s persistence and groundbreaking findings earned her global recognition. She went on to receive her doctorate from Cambridge University in 1965, later founding the Gombe Stream Research Center.

Beyond her research, Goodall became one of the world’s most influential voices for conservation. A United Nations Messenger of Peace since 2002, she was also named Dame of the British Empire in 2004 and awarded the U.S. Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2025.

Her institute, founded in 1977, continues her mission of wildlife conservation and community-centered environmental programs. She also launched the Roots & Shoots program, inspiring young people around the world to become advocates for the planet.

Even into her 80s, Goodall traveled extensively—often more than 300 days a year—speaking about climate change, conservation, and the interconnection of all living beings. The Covid-19 pandemic paused her travels, but she adapted, delivering her message virtually to audiences worldwide.

Asked once about her legacy, Goodall said she hoped to be remembered for “giving young people hope and a sense of empowerment.”

The United Nations paid tribute on Wednesday, saying Goodall “worked tirelessly for our planet and all its inhabitants, leaving an extraordinary legacy for humanity and nature.”