Dr Jane Goodall, founder of the Jane Goodall Institute, a United Nations Messenger of Peace and world-renowned primatologist, conservationist and humanitarian, has died at the age of 91. She passed away in her sleep from natural causes, the Jane Goodall Institute confirmed.
“Dr Jane Goodall was a remarkable example of courage and conviction, working tirelessly throughout her life to raise awareness about threats to wildlife, promote conservation, and inspire a more harmonious, sustainable relationship between people, animals and the natural world,” the institute said in a statement.
Goodall was best known for her groundbreaking 65-year study of wild chimpanzees in Gombe, Tanzania, where she discovered that chimpanzees use tools. Over the decades, her work expanded far beyond primatology. She became a leading global advocate for animal welfare, human rights, environmental protection and youth empowerment through her Roots & Shoots programme. Founded in 1991 and now with over 60 chapters globally, Roots & Shoots has served as an incubator of sorts, empowering young people to effect positive change in their communities.
Tributes for Goodall have poured in from conservation leaders, policymakers and global advocates.
“With deep gratitude and sorrow, we say goodbye to Jane Goodall – a woman whose life was a living testament to compassion, courage and tireless hope,” said Christiana Figueres, former UN climate chief and architect of the Paris Agreement. “She taught us to listen to the voices of the forest, to honour the lives of all beings, and to remember that every small action matters. Her legacy is not only in the chimpanzees she so lovingly studied, but in the millions of hearts she awakened to reverence for nature and responsibility for our shared future.”
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Dr Jane Goodall forever changed how people think about, interact with and care for the natural world. Her passing is a profound loss for our movement and our planet.
Dr Daniela Raik, interim CEO, Conservation International
Mark Suzman, chief executive of the Gates Foundation, said: “Jane Goodall was a true champion for our planet and all of its inhabitants. Jane may have been best known for her groundbreaking work with animals, but I was always inspired by her unwavering advocacy for the health of people, from protecting the natural world to fighting for polio eradication efforts. Her legacy will live on in the millions she reached with her work.”
Ani Dasgupta, president and CEO of research nonprofit World Resources Institute, added: “Today, we mourn one of Earth’s greatest champions. Dr Jane Goodall’s life reminds us that curiosity, courage, and compassion can change the world. From her groundbreaking discoveries about chimpanzee behaviour in Gombe to founding the Jane Goodall Institute and inspiring generations through Roots & Shoots, she showed us how deeply humans and nature are intertwined.”
Kaveh Madani, director of the United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment and Health, noted Goodall’s global solidarity: “Beyond her groundbreaking research and conservation leadership, Dr Goodall used her voice to stand with those defending the environment in the most difficult circumstances. She was a steadfast advocate for Iranian environmentalists during their unjust imprisonment, giving them visibility and hope at a time of great hardship.”
Azzedine Downes, president and CEO of the International Fund for Animal Welfare, called her “an everlasting force for good.” He said: “Dr Goodall has ignited a global movement spanning continents and touching generations, where compassion and the fundamental power of hope form the pillars of our collective humanity.”
Conservation International also paid tribute. “Jane Goodall forever changed how people think about, interact with and care for the natural world. Her passing is a profound loss for our movement and our planet,” said interim CEO Dr Daniela Raik. “Her legacy lives on, not just through memories and accolades, but in the sense of belief she inspired in many: that we can reverse climate change, halt biodiversity loss and repair the natural world.”
Born in London in 1934 as Valerie Jane Morris-Goodall, she arrived in Tanzania in 1960 under the guidance of paleoanthropologist Louis Leakey, who encouraged her early research despite her lack of formal academic training. Her observations evolved into one of the longest-running wildlife studies in history, and her work has since inspired countless scientists, conservationists and young activists.
Throughout her career, Goodall received some of the world’s highest honours, including being named a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire, a United Nations Messenger of Peace, and a recipient of the US Presidential Medal of Freedom. She authored 27 books, appeared in major documentaries, and continued to travel and campaign well into her later years, including her 90th birthday “Hope” global tour last year across Asia, including Singapore and Malaysia. Earlier this year, she appeared on the cover of Vogue Philippines and Tatler Singapore.
Her enduring message – that “every single one of us makes a difference every day – it is up to us as to the kind of difference we make” – continues to guide the work of the Jane Goodall Institute, Roots & Shoots, and countless individuals inspired by her life.
