Legendary Primatologist and Conservationist Jane Goodall Dies at 91
Jane Goodall: Celebrated Primatologist and Conservationist Passes Away at 91
Legacy of a Renowned Scientist
Renowned primatologist Jane Goodall has passed away at the age of 91. The Jane Goodall Institute announced on social media that she died of natural causes on the morning of October 1, 2025, while in California for her speaking tour in the United States. Goodall’s groundbreaking work in ethology transformed scientific understanding and fueled her lifelong commitment to conservation.
Pioneering Chimpanzee Research in Tanzania
In July 1960, a 26-year-old Goodall embarked on a transformative journey to Tanzania, where she began her pioneering research on chimpanzees. Her extensive studies revealed that chimpanzees exhibit behaviors previously thought to be uniquely human. These include sophisticated communication, individual personalities, and tool-making capabilities. Her findings fundamentally changed the field of primatology.
Television Appearances and Public Outreach
Goodall’s work reached the public on December 22, 1965, during her television special on CBS, “Miss Goodall and the World of Chimpanzees,” filmed at Gombe Stream National Park in Tanzania. Her insights captivated audiences, bringing attention to the complex social structures and behaviors of chimpanzees, and highlighting their similarities to humans.
Impactful Discoveries and Environmental Advocacy
Goodall’s research unveiled surprising aspects of chimpanzee behavior. In a 2020 interview with ABC News, she emphasized the striking similarities between chimpanzees and humans, noting gestures such as kissing, embracing, and hand-holding. She also observed both their violent tendencies and altruistic behaviors. These profound observations have been instrumental in fostering a deeper understanding of primates and advancing conservation efforts.
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