Jane Goodall, the world-renowned primatologist and conservationist whose groundbreaking work with chimpanzees reshaped science and inspired global environmental action, has died at 91. The Jane Goodall Institute confirmed her death on Wednesday, saying she passed away of natural causes while on a U.S. speaking tour in California.
Jane Goodall
Goodall rose to prominence in the 1960s after documenting chimpanzees using tools, displaying unique personalities, and exhibiting complex emotional and social behaviors—observations that transformed humanity’s understanding of its closest relatives. Her research in Gombe, Tanzania, redefined primatology and broadened perceptions of animal intelligence and empathy.
Beyond science, Goodall became a tireless advocate for conservation, climate action, and youth education. On the day of her passing, she had been scheduled to help launch the planting of 5,000 trees in wildfire-affected areas near Los Angeles. A tree was planted in her honor.
Cover Photo: Wikipedia
