Jane Goodall, the renowned British conservationist and primatologist, has died at the age of 91, leaving behind a legacy that transformed our understanding of chimpanzees and the natural world. The Jane Goodall Institute announced her passing on Wednesday, revealing she died of natural causes in California while on a speaking tour across the United States.
The institute paid tribute to her extraordinary contributions, stating, “Dr. Goodall’s discoveries as an ethologist transformed science, and she was a tireless advocate for the protection and restoration of the natural world.”
Born in London in 1934, Goodall’s groundbreaking research began in 1960 when she ventured into Tanzania to study free-living chimpanzees. It was there that she made a pivotal observation: a chimp named David Greybeard fashioned a tool from twigs, using it to extract termites from their nests. This momentous discovery challenged the long-held belief that only humans could make and use tools, forever altering the field of ethology and our understanding of animal intelligence.
In 1977, Goodall established the Jane Goodall Institute, aimed at conserving great apes and their habitats. The institute also champions youth projects that promote animal welfare and environmental stewardship. Throughout her life, Goodall dedicated herself not only to wildlife research but also to broader humanitarian causes, working tirelessly to address pressing global issues such as climate change and biodiversity loss.
Goodall’s later years were marked by her relentless advocacy and educational efforts. Based in the British coastal town of Bournemouth, she traveled nearly 300 days a year, sharing her insights and experiences with audiences around the globe, even after reaching the age of 90. Her speeches, often filled with humor and warmth, blended serious messages about conservation with lighter moments, such as her playful imitation of chimpanzee calls and her famous quip that Tarzan chose the wrong Jane.
In recognition of her impactful work, Goodall was appointed as a Messenger of Peace by the United Nations in 2002, a role through which she further amplified her advocacy for the planet. The UN expressed their sorrow in a post on social media, stating, “Today, the UN family mourns the loss of Dr. Jane Goodall. The scientist, conservationist, and UN Messenger of Peace worked tirelessly for our planet and all its inhabitants, leaving an extraordinary legacy for humanity and nature.”
Goodall’s passing marks a profound loss for the environmental movement and for all who have been inspired by her life’s work. Her voice will continue to resonate as a beacon of hope and a call to action for future generations committed to preserving our planet and its precious wildlife.
