On Monday, October 1st, 2025, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health announced the death of scientist, conservationist, and humanitarian Jane Goodallat age 91. Goodall passed away peacefully in her sleep due to cardiac arrest. Her life was more than just research – she was a human rights advocate, environmental activist, and a powerful voice encouraging younger generations to engage in humanitarian issues. Up until her passing, she continued to do the work she loved: travelling around the world to speak and spread the importance of preserving the natural world.
Jane was always fascinated with Africa and the idea of discovery. In a Jane Goodall Institute interview, she stated, “I first decided I wanted to go to Africa when I was, I think it was eight years old, and I read one of the Doctor Dolittle books where he rescues animals from the circus and takes them back to Africa.” According to the Institute, in July 1960, she travelled from England to Tanzania by boat, saving every last penny to venture into the unexplored world of chimpanzees. She arrived at the Gombe Stream Game Reserve, accompanied by her mother, Vanne, as authorities required young women doing field work to have a chaperone. Goodall immersed herself in the natural world of chimpanzees – an unconventional approach to field study at the time – living in the wild rather than observing them from a distance. During her research, she made groundbreaking discoveries. According to National Geographic, she helped demonstrate that chimpanzees are omnivores (previously believed to be herbivores), and that they both make and use their own tools. What began as a short study in Tanzania evolved into over 60 years of important field work, leading to major scientific discoveries, experiences, and a deepened commitment to environmental protection.
Later in life, Jane Goodall used her platform to promote environmental protection as well as human and animal rights. She was especially passionate about empowering young people to become involved in environmental and humanitarian issues. In recognition of her global impact, she was appointed a United Nations Messenger of Peace in 2002 by former Secretary-General Kofi Annan. Goodall remained dedicated to the same values until the end of her life, continuing her speaking tour to promote conservation and welfarejust days before her passing. In her final interview, featured in the Netflix short documentary Famous Last Words, she said, “You have it in your power to make a difference. Don’t give up. There is a future for you. Do your best while you’re still on this beautiful Planet Earth that I look down upon from where I am now.” Ultimately, Jane Goodall leaves behind a legacy not only of scientific achievement, but also of humanitarian influence for generations to come.
