
Jump Straight to Content
British conservationist and primatologist Dame Jane Goodall, known for her pioneering studies of chimpanzees, has passed away at the age of 91. Her institute announced her peaceful death in her sleep while on a speaking tour in Los Angeles.
Dame Jane Goodall's groundbreaking discoveries as an ethologist transformed science, and she was a dedicated advocate for the preservation of the natural world. Tributes poured in from figures like naturalist Chris Packham, Greenpeace, the United Nations, and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who hailed her as a visionary humanitarian and scientist.
Starting her research at 26, Dame Jane observed chimpanzees in Africa, revealing their social behaviors and tool usage. She appeared in National Geographic programs, authored over 30 books, and even featured in The Simpsons, leaving a lasting impact on primatology and conservation.
Transitioning to climate advocacy later in her career, Dame Jane highlighted the disappearing wildlife in Africa. Recognized for her contributions, she was made a dame in 2003 and received the US Presidential Medal of Freedom earlier this year.
Dame Jane's journey began with a childhood dream of working with wild animals, leading her to establish the Gombe Stream chimpanzee reserve in Tanzania. Despite living in the jungle for years, she embraced a vocal role as a conservationist to safeguard primates and their habitats, continuing her advocacy until her passing.