Jane Goodall, the renowned primate expert and wildlife advocate, has died at the age of 91, the Jane Goodall Institute confirmed. She passed away of natural causes while on a speaking tour in California.
Goodall’s work revolutionized the study of primates. She observed chimpanzees in Tanzania’s Gombe Stream Reserve, documenting their use of tools, social behaviors, and family relationships. Her research challenged scientific norms by showing that chimpanzees display intelligence and emotions similar to humans.
Born in London in 1934, Jane Goodall developed a love for animals as a child. A trip to Kenya in 1957 introduced her to anthropologist Dr. Louis Leakey, who encouraged her to study chimpanzees in the wild. This led to the creation of the Gombe Stream Research Centre, where she made many groundbreaking discoveries about primates.
Beyond research, Jane Goodall became a global environmental advocate. In 1977, she founded the Jane Goodall Institute, which focuses on wildlife conservation, habitat protection, and community development. She also started the Roots & Shoots program to educate young people about conservation and humanitarian efforts worldwide.
Goodall was a prolific author, publishing more than 30 books, including the bestseller Reason For Hope: A Spiritual Journey. She received numerous honors, including being named a Dame of the British Empire in 2003 and receiving the US Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2025.
Even in her later years, Jane Goodall traveled extensively to raise awareness about climate change, habitat destruction, and the importance of protecting wildlife. She urged people to take personal responsibility for the planet and live sustainably.
Jane Goodall’s legacy spans decades of scientific discovery and environmental activism. Her dedication to understanding and protecting chimpanzees and the natural world inspired millions globally, ensuring her impact will be felt for generations.
In other related news also read Islamabad’s New Wildlife Law: Adequate for Exotic Pets?
