Jane Goodall, a world-renowned conservationist and expert on chimpanzees, passed away at the age of 91 from natural causes on Oct. 1, 2025. Her dedication to science and humanitarian causes earned her global recognition as an important cultural figure.
Her Work
Goodall is best known for her work with chimpanzees in Gombe, Tanzania. According to the Jane Goodall Institute, she said she would have studied any animal, “but felt extremely lucky to have been given the chance to study man’s closest living relative in the wild.” During her work in Gombe, she made the discovery that chimpanzees use tools. This changed the way people viewed chimpanzees because tools were previously thought to have been used only by humans.
According to National Geographic, Goodall wanted to help chimpanzees in medical research facilities, so she set up refuges for them. These refuges were also for chimpanzees that were orphaned by the bushmeat trade.
Although Goodall is known for her work with chimpanzees, she also advocated for conservation efforts. After she learned of deforestation during a primatology conference in 1986 and saw it first-hand during a plane ride over Lake Tanganyika at Gombe Stream National Park, Goodall started working on conservation efforts.
Goodall’s list of awards and accolades is too extensive to cover in a single article. She has also published many books, including some for children, and has had numerous documentaries about her life and her work.
Her Last Words
Netflix released the first episode of “Famous Last Words” featuring Goodall discussing how she wants to be remembered in a prerecorded interview. The show intends to release these interviews after important cultural figures pass away. Goodall’s overall message in her final words is not to give up on making the world a better place and that we should do everything in our power to fight against climate change and the destruction of ecosystems.
Every single day you live, you make a difference in the world, and you get to choose the difference that you make.
Her Legacy
Goodall’s work has been well-documented and archived. In 2017, Goodall created the Jane Goodall Legacy Foundation to support and continue current programs like Jane Goodall’s Roots & Shoots. “Roots & Shoots” is a program to encourage young people to make positive changes in their communities. Their website allows students to find digital and local projects about fighting climate change, pollution or learning about the natural world. Educators and young people can also start their own projects.
According to the Jane Goodall Institute, her legacy will also continue through ongoing research at Tacare, a community-centered conservation program in Gombe, along with sanctuaries like Chimp Eden in South Africa and Tchimpounga in the Republic of the Congo.
To honor her legacy, CNN released an article about her favorite charities. These include her own foundations like The Jane Goodall Institute and “Roots & Shoots” as well as the National Geographic Society and The Center for Great Apes. The article encourages people to donate or learn more about her work.
Goodall’s work has been an inspiration to scientists, young people and the world. With careful preparations in place, it seems as if her legacy will continue.
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