The British scientist passed away at 91 in California. Her groundbreaking work with chimpanzees reshaped ethology and conservation in the United States and beyond.
Jane Goodall passed away on Wednesday, October 1, in California at the age of 91 from natural causes, according to her institute. The British primatologist, UN Messenger of Peace, was attending conferences in the United States at the time of her passing.
Known worldwide as the foremost expert on chimpanzees, Goodall dedicated her life to studying animal behavior and promoting environmental conservation. In July 1960, she began her groundbreaking research in Gombe, Tanzania, which forever transformed the field of ethology.
Her discoveries highlighted striking similarities between humans and chimpanzees: the development of individual personalities, communication through gestures, toolmaking, and the display of emotions such as love, altruism, and even violence.
Today, the UN family mourns the loss of Dr. Jane Goodall.
— United Nations (@UN) October 1, 2025
The scientist, conservationist and UN Messenger of Peace worked tirelessly for our planet and all its inhabitants, leaving an extraordinary legacy for humanity and nature. pic.twitter.com/C0VMRdKufF
These findings challenged scientific orthodoxy and established her as one of the most influential scientists of the 20th century.
Born in London in 1934, Goodall grew up in postwar Bournemouth. At 23, she traveled to Kenya to work with anthropologist Louis Leakey, who later sent her to Tanzania to study wild chimpanzees. There, she lived among them, mimicking their behaviors and even sharing bananas—an approach that revolutionized the way animals were studied.
In a statement, the Jane Goodall Institute said: “Dr. Goodall’s discoveries as an ethologist revolutionized science. She was a tireless advocate for protecting and restoring our natural world.” She also inspired generations of women to pursue scientific careers, including the late Dian Fossey.
Jane Goodall’s legacy is vast: she not only unlocked the secrets of chimpanzees, but also reminded humanity of our deep connection with the natural world.
