Conservationist Dame Jane Goodall, a world-leading expert on chimpanzees, has died aged 91.
Her observations helped to reveal how closely related humans are to chimpanzees. She also worked tirelessly for conservation projects around the world.
Dr. Goodall died of natural causes while in California on a speaking tour of the U.S., according to a statement from the Jane Goodall Institute.
The Institute noted that her discoveries revolutionized science and highlighted her role as a tireless advocate for the protection and restoration of our natural world.
The United Nations expressed its sorrow over her passing, stating that Dr. Goodall worked tirelessly for our planet and all its inhabitants, leaving an extraordinary legacy for humanity and nature.
Greenpeace also mourned her death, calling her one of the true conservation giants of our time. Will McCallum, co-executive director in the UK, praised Dr. Goodall's legacy which extends beyond science into a global movement for nature conservation.
Naturalist Chris Packham remarked on her incredible impact, stating, To have lost a hero at a time when we need all of them on the frontline fighting for life on earth is a tragedy.
Born in 1934 in London, Goodall developed a passion for animals after reading works such as The Story of Dr. Doolittle. She met primatologist Louis Leakey in Kenya, who recognized her potential and facilitated her groundbreaking research trip to Tanzania in 1960.
During this time, she made history as the first person to document a non-human animal using a tool, which challenged pre-existing notions of animal behavior and intelligence.
Goodall's writings and research reshaped the understanding of primate societies, revealing their emotional depths and complex social structures. Her documentaries, like the one narrated by Orson Welles, showcased both the beauty and challenges faced by these remarkable creatures.
Later in life, Dr. Goodall became an activist, advocating for the freedom of chimpanzees kept in captivity and raising awareness about climate change. She founded the Jane Goodall Institute in 1977, dedicated to wildlife research and conservation.
Dr. Goodall's accolades include being appointed a Dame in 2003 and receiving the U.S. Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2025. She remained active in her advocacy right until her passing, with a scheduled appearance just days away.
Her legacy will inspire future generations to understand and protect our natural world.