Dame Jane Goodall, the pioneering primatologist and tireless environmental advocate, has died at age 91 while on a speaking tour in California, marking the end of an era for conservation and animal research. Her passing on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, from natural causes, has prompted an outpouring of tributes from world leaders, celebrities, and fellow scientists, all recognizing the indelible mark she left on both science and the global movement to protect the planet.
Sir David Attenborough, the renowned broadcaster and natural historian, perhaps captured the essence of Goodall’s legacy best. “Jane Goodall was the first to prove that an investigating scientist and a great ape living in the wild could become true friends, and in doing so, she came to transform our understanding of chimpanzees,” Attenborough said, according to BBC. “She was their tireless advocate and a great champion of environmental protection.” His words echo the sentiments of many who saw Goodall not just as a researcher, but as a bridge between humanity and the animal kingdom, and as a relentless voice for the voiceless.
Goodall’s work began in the forests of Tanzania, where she embarked on a journey that would forever alter the scientific community’s view of chimpanzees. Her groundbreaking research revealed that chimpanzees not only used tools but also displayed complex social behaviors and emotions, challenging the prevailing notion that such traits were uniquely human. According to The Guardian, these discoveries “reshaped scientific understanding” and “blazed a trail for other women in the field,” breaking barriers in what was then a male-dominated discipline.
Her relationship with the chimpanzees was more than academic. Goodall’s approach was personal, empathetic, and deeply respectful, allowing her to observe behaviors previously unseen by outsiders. She demonstrated, as Attenborough noted, that “an investigating scientist and a great ape living in the wild could become true friends.” This connection not only enriched her research but also inspired generations of scientists and conservationists to approach their subjects with similar compassion and curiosity.
Tributes have poured in from across the globe, reflecting the breadth and depth of Goodall’s influence. Prince William, writing on X (formerly Twitter), said, “The world has lost an extraordinary voice with the passing of Dame Jane Goodall. Her boundless curiosity, compassion and pioneering spirit transformed our understanding of the natural world. She challenged us all to make a difference and inspired me and countless others to work to protect our planet. Jane Goodall made a difference.” His statement, widely shared and discussed, underscores the personal inspiration Goodall provided to many in positions of influence.
Prince Harry and his wife Meghan, who counted Goodall as a personal friend, released a heartfelt statement as well. “Her commitment to changing lives extends beyond what the world saw, and also to what we personally felt,” their message read, according to Reuters. They hailed her as a “visionary humanitarian, scientist, friend to the planet, and friend to us.” For them, Goodall’s impact was not just public or professional, but deeply personal—a sentiment echoed by many who worked alongside her or followed her career.
Hollywood also joined in the chorus of remembrance. Actor and environmentalist Leonardo DiCaprio posted a tribute on Instagram, stating, “Jane Goodall devoted her life to protecting our planet and giving a voice to the wild animals and the ecosystems they inhabit. Her groundbreaking research on chimpanzees in Tanzania transformed our understanding of how our closest relatives live, socialise, and think – reminding us that we are deeply connected not only to chimpanzees and the other great apes, but to all life.” DiCaprio’s words highlight how Goodall’s scientific achievements resonated far beyond the academic world, awakening “the next generation” to the urgency of conservation.
Jane Fonda, the acclaimed actor and activist, was among those most visibly moved by Goodall’s passing. In an emotional message, Fonda wrote, “Through her work with chimps, she did more than any human being has, to let us understand the richness of animal lives: their intelligence, skills, unique personalities, use of tools, empathy, suffering when one of theirs was killed. I loved her very much. I think the best way we can honour her life is to treat the earth and all its beings like our family, with love and respect.” Fonda’s tribute, reported by The New York Times, captures the spirit of Goodall’s life work—urging humanity to see itself as part of a larger family that includes all living beings.
At the heart of Goodall’s legacy is her unwavering advocacy for environmental protection. She was, as The Guardian and BBC both noted, a “great champion of environmental protection.” Her efforts went far beyond the forests of Tanzania. Through the Jane Goodall Institute and her Roots & Shoots program, she empowered young people around the world to take action in their own communities, fostering a global movement for conservation and sustainability. Her message was always one of hope, action, and the belief that every individual can make a difference.
Goodall’s influence extended to policy and education as well. She spent decades traveling the world, speaking on behalf of animals and the environment, urging leaders and ordinary citizens alike to reconsider humanity’s relationship with nature. Even in her final days, she remained active, “educating and advocating for animals right until the very end,” as reported by BBC. Her tireless energy and optimism inspired countless people to join the fight for a healthier planet.
Her passing has prompted reflection not only on her scientific achievements but also on the doors she opened for women in science. As noted by The Guardian, Goodall “blazed a trail for other women in the field,” challenging stereotypes and proving that curiosity and determination know no gender. Her legacy is visible in the growing number of women leading research, conservation, and advocacy efforts worldwide.
As the world mourns the loss of Dame Jane Goodall, her life stands as a testament to the power of empathy, curiosity, and action. Her work has forever changed the way we see our closest animal relatives and our own place in the natural world. In the words of Jane Fonda, perhaps the most fitting tribute is to “treat the earth and all its beings like our family, with love and respect.” Goodall’s legacy will continue to inspire, reminding us that one person’s passion can indeed change the world.
