Zoologist and conservationist Jane Goodall unfortunately died at the age of 91 on October 1st of this year. Throughout her life as an ethologist, she “redefined what it means to be human” using her groundbreaking work studying the chimpanzees of Gombe Stream National Park. She devoted the latter part of her life to conserving the habitats of chimpanzees and other great apes through the Jane Goodall Institute. Her legacy will continue to flourish from her immeasurable compassion and as an inspiration to all.
Goodall had a dream of living among the animals of Africa since she was a child. When she was 28 years old, she made her first trip to Kenya, where she met paleontologist Dr. Louis Leakey. He was immediately moved by her passion for animals and nature, inviting Goodall to study families of wild chimpanzees in the forest of Gombe. Despite Goodall’s lack of formal education, he saw her as a perfect candidate for the job, as she was someone who could study them with a completely open mind.
Her work at Gombe Stream National Park began in 1960. During her first encounter, she observed a chimpanzee – whom she named David Greybeard – sticking blades of grass into mounds in order to extract termites. This was the first discovery of any animal other than humans using and making tools. Additionally, she had observed groups of chimps hunting and eating other animals. This disproved the earlier theory that chimps were vegetarian. Throughout her time at Gombe, she made strong bonds with many chimpanzees and soon became a staple of primatology research.
After 20 years of tireless work at Gombe, Goodall had noticed the slow progression of the large-scale deforestation that was occurring at Gombe and so many other natural habitats around the world. It was then that she made the sudden switch from scientist to conservationist. The goal of establishing the Jane Goodall Institute in 1977 was to promote environmental and wildlife protection and to encourage young people to be the agents of change. This mission has grown into building a better future for people and animals around the world.
Jane Goodall’s legacy continues through the ongoing research of chimpanzees and the conservation efforts made by the Jane Goodall Institute. She was appointed UN Messenger of Peace in 2002, and in 2025, was awarded the US Presidential Medal of Freedom. Goodall also wrote 27 books for adults and children, and has appeared in many documentaries during the course of her life. She will remain an inspiration to generations of scientists and young people alike.