For nearly 60 years, Jane Goodall was a revolutionary in the study of chimpanzees and conservation. Goodall passed away at 91 on Wednesday morning, her institute announced in a statement on social media. At the time, she was in California for a national speaking tour.
Goodall was born in London, England, in 1934. She was interested in animals, especially chimpanzees, from a young age, and dreamed of going to Africa. In 1957, she traveled to Kenya at 23 and met Dr. Louis Leakey, who was interested in finding someone to study chimpanzees. When Jane returned to Africa in 1960, she took up this role and immersed herself into the habitat of the chimpanzees in the Gombe forest.
Among her most important contributions to modern science was her discovery that humans are not the only species to make and use tools. In 1960, she noticed a chimpanzee named David Greybeard use a twig as a tool to retrieve termites to eat.
Goodall would later earn a doctoral degree in ethology from Cambridge University. She would continue to study chimpanzees and pave the way for other students — including many women — to pursue the field of ethology. Many notable female primatologists, such as Dian Fossey and Birute Galdikas, followed in Goodall’s footsteps.
Through her work and influence, Goodall brought significant awareness to the world of chimpanzees. People around the world were educated on the lives and habits of chimpanzees, but also the dangers that threatened them. Her work was instrumental in saving chimpanzees from extinction.
Goodall would also found the Jane Goodall Institute, which still supports her previous research in Gombe and her goal of protecting chimpanzees. The JGI is also crucial in informing youth across the globe about the importance of conservation and continues to uphold her legacy.
Goodall was the author of several books that detailed her own work in Gombe as well as books about the general work of conservationists in saving endangered species. She was the recipient of numerous awards and was notably named a United Nations Messenger of Peace in 2003.
Goodall’s passing has led to tributes from figures such as Sir David Attenborough, Prince William, former President Barack Obama, and the United Nations. The news has also spread to social media, where widespread video and posts about her legacy and monumental work are being shared across platforms such as TikTok and Instagram.
Goodall’s death marks the end of a remarkable life, but her influence is far from over. Goodall’s work transformed the way scientists view our closest relatives and advocated for conservation and protection, inspiring people around the world to follow in her path. Her legacy and institute ensure that her impact will continue well into the future.