Jane Goodall, Renowned Chimpanzee Expert, Dies at 91
Jane Goodall, the world’s leading expert on chimpanzees and a pioneering conservationist, has died at 91 from natural causes while on a speaking tour in California, the Jane Goodall Institute confirmed.
Goodall rose to prominence in 1960 after observing wild chimpanzees using tools in Tanzania — a discovery that changed how we view the animal kingdom. At a time when few women were in science, she pursued her passion, earning a Ph.D. from Cambridge without a bachelor’s degree. She went on to found the Jane Goodall Institute, write numerous books, and become a global advocate for animal welfare and the environment.
A UN Messenger of Peace and subject of over 40 documentaries, Goodall’s impact extended far beyond science. “I’m desperate to make a difference before it’s too late,” she once said.
Following her death, actor and environmentalist Leonardo DiCaprio shared a moving tribute:
“Jane Goodall devoted her life to protecting our planet and giving a voice to wild animals. Her research transformed our understanding of how deeply we are connected to all life,” he wrote. “My last message to Jane was simple: ‘You are my hero.’ Now, we all must carry the torch.”
Goodall is survived by her son, Hugo Eric Louis van Lawick, and three grandchildren. Her legacy continues through the work of the Jane Goodall Institute and the millions she inspired.