Grandson Honors Jane Goodall's Legacy at Public Memorial

In November 2025, the renowned conservationist and animal welfare advocate Jane Goodall was remembered by her grandson Merlin van Lawick at a public memorial service in Washington, D.C. Goodall had passed away a month earlier, on October 1, 2025, at the age of 91 while on a speaking tour in California.

During the memorial, van Lawick reflected on his grandmother's trailblazing research on chimpanzees and her lifelong dedication to protecting the environment. He recalled how Goodall would always return home from her travels, eager to share her stories and insights. Now, as she embarks on her "final great adventure," van Lawick promised to carry on Goodall's mission to "change this world for the better."

Goodall's advocacy work had a profound impact, changing the way we view our connection to the animal kingdom. She spent decades urging immediate action against the worsening climate crisis and worked tirelessly to protect chimpanzees from extinction. Even in her final days, Goodall remained hopeful, believing that people around the world were "waking up" and ready for change.