02/10/2025
LIVE: Jane Goodall, World-Renowned Primatologist and Conservationist, Passes Away at 91
Jane Goodall, the renowned primatologist and conservationist, passed away at the age of 91, leaving behind a legacy that has deeply shaped the fields of animal behavior, environmental science, and conservation. Known for her groundbreaking work with chimpanzees in Tanzania, Goodall’s contributions revolutionized our understanding of the animal kingdom and human evolution.
In the early 1960s, Goodall traveled to Gombe Stream National Park in Tanzania, where she began studying chimpanzees in their natural habitat. Her observations led to the discovery that chimpanzees, like humans, use tools, which challenged the prevailing notion that only humans could possess such complex behaviors. This work would become one of her most significant achievements, earning her global recognition.
Throughout her life, Goodall remained a tireless advocate for the protection of wildlife and the environment. She founded the Jane Goodall Institute in 1977, which focuses on conservation, animal welfare, and community-centered environmental programs. Her Roots & Shoots program, aimed at empowering young people to take action for the planet, has inspired countless individuals around the world.
Goodall’s work also extended to addressing the impacts of climate change, deforestation, and habitat destruction on wildlife. She traveled extensively, speaking to audiences worldwide about the urgent need to protect our planet and its inhabitants. Her unwavering passion for conservation has inspired generations of environmentalists, scientists, and activists.
Despite facing challenges in her early career as a woman in a male-dominated field, Goodall’s determination and commitment to her research led her to become one of the most respected figures in science and conservation. Her work not only expanded scientific knowledge but also raised awareness about the importance of protecting the natural world.
The world has lost a visionary, but Jane Goodall’s legacy will continue to inspire future generations to care for our planet and its creatures.