Jane Goodall, the celebrated primatologist whose revolutionary work in Tanzania redefined humanity's understanding of chimpanzees and the natural world, has passed away at 91.
Oct 1, 2025
Source:
ABC News - The Walt Disney Company
A Titan of Science and Conservation
Dame Jane Goodall, the groundbreaking primatologist and conservationist whose work with chimpanzees in Tanzania reshaped our understanding of the animal kingdom, has died at 91. The Jane Goodall Institute confirmed her passing on Wednesday, October 1, 2025.
Goodall's death marks the end of an era for science and environmental advocacy. She was a figure of immense global influence, revered for her decades of meticulous research and her unwavering dedication to protecting the natural world.
From English Countryside to African Forests
Goodall's journey began not in a university lab, but with a childhood fascination for animals. Without a formal degree, she traveled to Africa in the late 1950s, driven by a passion to observe wildlife.
In 1960, she ventured into what is now Gombe Stream National Park in Tanzania. There, she began a study of wild chimpanzees that would become the longest-running of its kind in history, fundamentally altering humanity's place in the natural order.
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Source:
The Hill
Revolutionizing Primatology
Goodall’s research produced observations that challenged long-held scientific beliefs. Her work demonstrated that chimpanzees were not simple, instinct-driven creatures, but complex beings with rich social and emotional lives.
Key Discoveries in Gombe
Tool Use: Goodall was the first to observe chimpanzees making and using tools, a behavior previously thought to be exclusive to humans.
Complex Social Bonds: She documented intricate family relationships, altruism, and even conflict among the chimpanzee communities.
Emotional Depth: Her findings provided compelling evidence that animals experience joy, sorrow, and a range of other emotions, blurring the line between humans and other species.
From Scientist to Activist
The insights gained from her research fueled Goodall's transition into a global conservation icon. In 1977, she founded the Jane Goodall Institute, an organization dedicated to wildlife research, conservation, and community-centered development.
She also established the Roots & Shoots program, a youth-focused initiative that empowers young people in nearly 100 countries to lead conservation projects in their own communities.
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Source:
Spectrum News
