In a moving ceremony at the Washington National Cathedral on November 12, 2025, actor and environmental advocate Leonardo DiCaprio led a chorus of tributes to Jane Goodall, the pioneering primatologist and conservationist whose life’s work transformed humanity’s understanding of the animal kingdom. Goodall, who died peacefully in her sleep last month at age 91, was remembered not just as a scientific icon, but as a beacon of hope and a tireless champion for the planet.
The invitation-only funeral drew 1,500 guests from across the worlds of science, politics, and culture. Among the mourners were former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Senator Chris Coons, former National Institutes of Health Director Francis Collins, and World Central Kitchen founder José Andrés. The breadth of attendees spoke volumes about Goodall’s far-reaching influence, which extended well beyond the forests of Tanzania where her groundbreaking research began.
Standing before the gathered crowd, DiCaprio—who marked his 51st birthday just a day before the service—spoke candidly about his friendship with Goodall and the indelible mark she left on his life. “It is a privilege to stand here today honouring a person of such immense magnitude. An extraordinary woman who changed not only the world, but so many of us in it, my good friend, Jane Goodall,” DiCaprio said, as quoted by The Independent.
Goodall’s journey into the wilds of Africa began in 1960, when, at a time it was almost unthinkable for a woman to venture alone into the field, she set out to study chimpanzees in Tanzania’s Gombe National Park. Her meticulous observations and patient fieldwork would upend conventional wisdom about animal behavior. According to Politico, DiCaprio captured this legacy in his remarks: “Her groundbreaking work in Tanzania forever changed how we understand chimpanzees, and in many ways, how we understand ourselves. But her love and advocacy reached far beyond that forest — it ignited an entire generation of environmentalists, including myself.”
Throughout her life, Goodall was deeply committed to conservation and environmental education. In 1977, she founded the Jane Goodall Institute, which continues to protect chimpanzees and empower young people to take action for the environment. Her charity, Roots & Shoots, has inspired millions of youth globally to champion animal welfare and sustainability. “She was a scientist, a storyteller, a trailblazer, but above all, she was a teacher, and her legacy lives on in the millions she inspired, especially through Roots And Shoots, empowering young people everywhere to act for the planet,” DiCaprio said, echoing the sentiments of many who attended.
Yet, for those who knew her best, Goodall’s impact was as much personal as it was professional. DiCaprio reminisced about their shared adventures and late-night conversations, recalling how she was “gentle, curious, funny, witty and absolutely unstoppable.” He added, “I’ll forever cherish every conversation, every adventure I had with her, every laugh, every whiskey we shared, and every time I got to spend time talking with my dear friend.”
The service itself was a tapestry of tributes, blending solemnity with celebration. Goodall’s grandchildren delivered heartfelt readings, reminding all present of the family bonds that grounded her. In a uniquely joyful touch, an honor guard of 20 dogs—members of the PAL Therapy dog-handler teams—lined the cathedral steps in a “dog salute,” a fitting homage to a woman whose compassion for animals knew no bounds.
Senator Chris Coons, co-chair of the Senate Climate Solutions Caucus, underscored the timeliness of Goodall’s message. As world leaders gathered in Brazil for COP30, the United Nations Climate Change Conference, Coons told POLITICO’s E&E News that Goodall’s example offered a beacon of hope amid daunting environmental challenges. “Jane Goodall was one of the most hopeful, purposeful, courageous and determined people I have ever met,” he reflected. “In a week where the world is gathering at COP30 in Brazil, and many of us who had meant to be there were prevented by the government shutdown, the soaring music, the inspiring reflections and the ways in which today’s service was infused with her positive spirit gave a huge and needed lift to all of us who were present.”
Former NIH Director Francis Collins, who played a pivotal role in ending the use of federally owned chimpanzees in research, offered his own memories of Goodall’s friendship and advocacy. He noted that while Goodall was “increasingly troubled” by the state of the planet, she never lost faith in nature’s resilience or in the next generation’s capacity to drive change.
Goodall’s influence was felt not just in the scientific community, but in the halls of power as well. Pelosi, who sat in the front pews beside José Andrés, did not speak at the service but has long credited Goodall for inspiring landmark conservation legislation. In a previous press release, Pelosi stated, “Thanks to her decades-long fight in the conservation movement, countless acres stand protected today, enriching local communities and demonstrating to world leaders how inextricably tied the fate of humanity is to the health of the planet.”
DiCaprio, whose own climate foundation has funneled millions into environmental initiatives, worked closely with Goodall over the years on wildlife protection campaigns and is currently involved in an upcoming film, “Howl,” inspired by her legacy. He urged those gathered—and all who admired Goodall from afar—to carry her mission forward. “May we all honour her by carrying forward that same fierce belief that we can do better, that we must do better, and that we have a responsibility to protect this beautiful natural world we all share,” DiCaprio implored.
In his eulogy, DiCaprio also shared a piece of wisdom often repeated by Goodall herself: “Jane often said ‘Every day that we live, we can make an impact on the planet.’ May ours be an impact of hope for her, for all living things and for the generations to come.”
Goodall’s life was defined by a rare blend of scientific rigor and boundless optimism. As DiCaprio observed, “She reminded us that change begins with compassion and that our humanity is our greatest tool. Yes, she could be clear eyed, even blunt about the greed and relentless consumption of our species, but beneath that fierce honesty was an unwavering faith that every voice matters, that we are all connected to the living world, and that each of us can make a difference.”
As the sun set over the cathedral and the last notes of the service faded, those present were left not with a sense of loss, but with a call to action. Goodall’s legacy, as both a scientist and a humanitarian, endures in every protected forest, every inspired young environmentalist, and every small act of kindness toward the natural world. The world may have lost a legend, but her mission continues—carried forward by those who, like DiCaprio and countless others, were moved by her example to believe that hope and action can indeed change the world.
