We are deeply saddened to share the news that Dr Jane Goodall, DBE (1934–2025), has passed away at the age of 91. Her groundbreaking research on chimpanzees forever changed science, while her voice for conservation, climate action, and youth empowerment has inspired millions worldwide. Her legacy endures through the Jane Goodall Institute and Roots & Shoots.
The Jane Goodall Institute, founded in 1977, in announcing her passing yesterday stated “Dr Goodall’s discoveries as an ethologist revolutionized science, became a tireless advocate for the protection and restoration of our natural world.”
Dr Goodall, an extraordinary scientist, conservationist, and humanitarian, sadly died yesterday, October 1st 2025, at the age of 91 years.
Her death, due to natural causes, occurred while she was in California, U.S., participating in a speaking tour. Her passing now marks the close of a life that enriched science, inspired millions, and transformed how humanity understands and cares for the natural world.
A Legacy Beyond Measure.
Born on April 3rd 1934, in London, England, Dr Jane Goodall’s lifelong love of animals and wild places led her to Tanzania in 1960, where she established the world’s longest-running field study of chimpanzees at Gombe National Park. Over decades, her immersive and empathetic approach yielded startling discoveries: chimpanzees make and use tools, exhibit intricate social relationships, and display emotional complexity. Her work broke down the long-held wall between “human” and “animal” and reframed ethology itself.
In 1977 she founded the Jane Goodall Institute (JGI), an international organization that continues field research, supports conservation projects, and champions community-based sustainable practices across Africa and beyond. In 1991 she launched Roots & Shoots, a global youth-oriented environmental and humanitarian program, active now in many dozens of countries.
Throughout her life, Dr Goodall was a tireless advocate, not only for chimpanzees but for the entire planet. Appointed UN Messenger of Peace in 2002, she addressed issues ranging from habitat destruction and climate change to animal welfare and youth empowerment. Even in her later years, she traveled extensively, gave talks, and used new media (such as her “Hopecast” podcast) to share a message of hope and urgent action.
Her work was widely recognized: she was made a Dame Commander of the British Empire (DBE), received the Presidential Medal of Freedom (2025), the Templeton Prize (2021), and numerous other honours.
Her spirit lives on in the institutions she built, the young people she inspired, and the planet she fought to protect. JGI and Roots & Shoots will continue her work, safeguarding ecosystems, enabling local communities to lead, and cultivating hope in future generations.
In this time of mourning, we invite all who hold Jane’s ideals dear to renew our joint commitment: that curiosity, empathy, and action can yet transform the future of life on Earth.
Dr Goodall is survived by her son Hugo van Lawick and three grandchildren.
In ár gcroíthe go deo.
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