The world is mourning the loss of Dr. Jane Goodall, the iconic British primatologist and conservationist whose life’s work redefined humanity’s relationship with the animal kingdom. The Jane Goodall Institute confirmed her passing on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, stating she died of natural causes at the age of 91. Her death marks the end of an era for wildlife conservation and scientific discovery, leaving behind a legacy of tireless advocacy, groundbreaking research, and unwavering hope that will continue to inspire generations.
Dr. Goodall was in California on a speaking tour at the time of her death, a testament to her unrelenting commitment that continued well into her nineties. She was scheduled to participate in a conservation initiative event in Pasadena, embodying the active, hands-on approach that characterized her entire career. The Jane Goodall Institute released a statement on Instagram, celebrating her monumental contributions. “The Jane Goodall Institute learned this morning, Wednesday, October 1, 2025, that Dr. Jane Goodall, UN Messenger of Peace and founder of the Jane Goodall Institute, passed away from natural causes,” the statement read. “Dr. Goodall’s discoveries as an ethologist revolutionized science, and she was a tireless advocate for the protection and restoration of our natural world.”
A Revolutionary Scientific Journey
Dr. Goodall was in California on a speaking tour at the time of her death, a testament to her unrelenting commitment that continued well into her nineties. She was scheduled to participate in a conservation initiative event in Pasadena, embodying the active, hands-on approach that characterized her entire career. The Jane Goodall Institute released a statement on Instagram, celebrating her monumental contributions. “The Jane Goodall Institute learned this morning, Wednesday, October 1, 2025, that Dr. Jane Goodall, UN Messenger of Peace and founder of the Jane Goodall Institute, passed away from natural causes,” the statement read. “Dr. Goodall’s discoveries as an ethologist revolutionized science, and she was a tireless advocate for the protection and restoration of our natural world.”.
Her methodology was as revolutionary as her findings. By giving the chimpanzees names instead of numbers and observing them as individuals within a society, she brought a new level of empathy and understanding to the field of primatology. This humanistic approach laid the groundwork for modern ethology. In 1977, she founded the Jane Goodall Institute to ensure that her pioneering research would continue and to scale her conservation efforts globally. The Institute supports the research in Gombe and leads community-centered conservation programs in Africa and beyond. Recognizing the need to empower the next generation, she later established Roots & Shoots, a youth program active in over 60 countries that encourages young people to take action to improve their communities for people, animals, and the environment.
Tributes from a Grateful World
News of Goodall’s passing prompted an outpouring of tributes from environmentalists, celebrities, scientists, and world leaders, all touched by her profound impact.
Actor and environmental advocate Leonardo DiCaprio shared a lengthy, heartfelt message on his Instagram account, calling her a “true hero for the planet.” He wrote, “Today we lost a true hero for the planet, an inspiration to millions, and a dear friend. Jane Goodall dedicated her life to protecting our planet and giving a voice to the wild animals and ecosystems they inhabit. Her groundbreaking research on chimpanzees in Tanzania transformed our understanding of how our closest living relatives live, socialize, and think—reminding us that we are deeply connected not only to chimpanzees and other great apes but to all life. For decades, Jane traveled the world with tireless energy, awakening generations to the wonder of the natural world. She spoke directly to the next generation, instilling hope, a sense of responsibility, and the belief that every individual can make a difference. She inspired millions to care, to act, and to have hope. She never stopped.” He concluded with a personal note, “My last message to Jane was simple: ‘You are my hero.’ Now, we must all carry the torch for her to protect our one shared home.”
Maria Shriver, the philanthropist and former First Lady of California who honored Goodall with the Minerva Award in 2009, remembered her as a friend and a force of nature. “Jane Goodall was a giant and a friend,” she posted on Instagram. “I admired her, learned from her, and was so proud to spend time with her over the years. She lived her mission and her purpose. She changed the world and the lives of everyone she impacted. Today, the world lost one of its very best, and I lost [someone] I loved.”
Renowned Spanish-American chef José Andrés shared a personal story that captured her boundless compassion. “My friend Jane Goodall was one of the wisest and kindest people I ever met,” he wrote. “She could make anyone hopeful about the future, no matter the troubles of the present. This past weekend, she wrote to let me know she was thinking of what she could do to alleviate all the suffering in Gaza, Ukraine, Sudan, and beyond. She was my hero, my inspiration. I will miss her every day.”
The sentiment was echoed across social media. Drew Scott, star of Property Brothers, stated, “Jane’s love for people and the planet will always be in my heart.” British television personality Jo Frost wrote, “A remarkable woman who made history and changed the world with passion and empathy, her footprint on this earth will always matter, a legacy of lasting impact. Rest in peace, dear Jane.”
Jane Goodall’s legacy is not just one of scientific achievement but of profound moral leadership. As a UN Messenger of Peace, she used her global platform to advocate for a more compassionate and sustainable world. Her core message—that every individual matters and has a role to play—has empowered millions to take action. While a towering figure has left us, the seeds of hope she planted across the globe will continue to grow, ensuring her work endures for generations to come.