The world is mourning the death of Dr. Jane Goodall, the legendary primatologist and conservation champion who transformed our understanding of chimpanzees and fought tirelessly for the planet. She passed away at age 91 from natural causes in California on October 1, 2025, while on a speaking tour across the US.
The Jane Goodall Institute shared the sad news on her Facebook page Wednesday morning. “Dr. Jane Goodall DBE, UN Messenger of Peace and founder of the Jane Goodall Institute, has passed away due to natural causes,” the statement read. It praised her groundbreaking work as an ethologist that changed science forever and her endless push to protect and restore the natural world.
Goodall, the British scientist famous for her pioneering chimpanzee research in Tanzania, left a huge mark on global conservation efforts. Her observations showed how chimps live, socialize, and think—reminding us of our deep connections to animals and the environment.
Tributes poured in quickly. The United Nations posted on X (formerly Twitter): “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.”
Hollywood star Leonardo DiCaprio, a close friend who shared Goodall’s passion for animal conservation, shared a touching message. “Today we have lost a true hero for the planet, an inspiration to millions, and a dear friend,” he wrote. DiCaprio highlighted her lifelong dedication to protecting ecosystems and giving voice to wildlife. “Her groundbreaking research on chimpanzees in Tanzania transformed our understanding of how our closest relatives live, socialize, and think—reminding us that we are deeply connected not only to chimpanzees and the other great apes, but to all life.”
Even Encyclopaedia Britannica chimed in on X, noting Goodall’s unique path. She was one of the rare people to earn a PhD without a bachelor’s degree—a move that let her approach chimp studies with a fresh, unbiased perspective. “It was thought that her lack of formal academic training would allow her to remain unbiased by traditional thought and study the chimps with an open mind. It worked,” the post said, alongside a photo of the iconic researcher.
Goodall stayed active right up to the end, continuing her environmental advocacy and speaking engagements. Her legacy in primatology, chimpanzee behavior, and wildlife protection will inspire generations to come.
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