Pioneering Primatologist Dr. Jane Goodall Dies at 91

On October 1, 2025, the world lost a true pioneer in the field of primatology and conservation. Dr. Jane Goodall, the renowned 91-year-old ethologist, passed away from natural causes during a speaking tour in California. Goodall's 65-year study on wild chimpanzees in the Gombe Stream Reserve in Tanzania revolutionized our understanding of animal behavior, intelligence, and tool use.

Goodall, who completed her doctoral thesis without an undergraduate degree, penned over 27 books and tirelessly advocated for the protection of the natural world. Following the news of her death, a slate of celebrities, politicians, and organizations from around the globe have mourned the loss of this legendary figure. Actor and environmental activist Leonardo DiCaprio called Goodall a "true hero for the planet" and urged others to honor her legacy by supporting conservation efforts. Former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau praised Goodall as a "pioneer whose research and advocacy reshaped our understanding of the natural world."

The United Nations, where Goodall served as a Messenger of Peace since 2002, also paid tribute, noting that she "worked tirelessly for our planet and all its inhabitants, leaving an extraordinary legacy for humanity and nature." Goodall's impact on science, conservation, and the public's perception of the natural world will undoubtedly continue to be felt for generations to come.