According to an announcement made by the Jane Goodall Institute, Jane Goodall, a renowned conservationist and noted researcher for her work with wild chimpanzees, passed away on October 1, 2025, at the age of 91.
Jane Goodall effectively transformed our relationship with the natural world—that we are of and by it, and as such, must act in service of the land.
Humans are not so different from the animals we often mistake as being beneath us, which Goodall proved again and again—first with her revolutionary observations on primates in 1963, and later, with the opening of the Jane Goodall Institute in 1977.
When discussing a future for endangered species, Jane Goodall said, “The greatest danger to our future is apathy. How can your actions make a difference? Best, you say, to leave it to decision makers. And so you do nothing.”
She added, “Can we overcome apathy? Yes, but only if we have hope.”
Change, as so expertly conveyed by Goodall, is not accomplished in silence or through passiveness. Indeed, the conservationist made a career for herself by routinely challenging and speaking out against the norm.
Before Dr. Goodall, most of the famous scientists of the 20th century were men; however, she broke down that door, paving the way for women to excel in the field of primate behavior research and science more broadly.
Among her many achievements, she was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in January of this year, recognized as the United States’ highest civilian honor. She is survived by her son and his three children, as well as her sister Judy Waters.
Goodall, in her many moving interactions with chimpanzees, demonstrated that we must not forget the privilege of being human—that our ability to love, laugh, and, above all, lead with compassion is what brings us together, regardless of background or even species.
Read More About Jane Goodall's Conservation Efforts

Hope for Animals and Their World
Employing her famed conversational tone, Jane Goodall offers an insightful look into the future of the animal kingdom.
Alongside Cincinnati Zoo Director Thayne Maynard, Godall shares stories about the American Crocodile, California Condor, Black-Footed Ferret, and many other endangered species in need of conservation.
By spotlighting the efforts of scientists, Goodall demonstrates the importance of protecting the natural world, particularly the habitats of these precious creatures.

Jane Goodall: 50 Years at Gombe
With new photographs and never-before-told stories, Jane Goodall: 50 Years at Gombe documents Dr. Goodall’s half a century of research with chimpanzees in East Africa.
From establishing the Gombe field site to providing healthcare and education to neighboring communities in Tanzania, follow along as Jane Goodall builds her overall mission of making the world a better place.

The Ten Trusts
Behavioral scientists Jane Goodall and Marc Bekoff join forces to educate people on the steps needed to protect the environment—now and into the future.
Simple, with just ten commandments to follow, yet incredibly impactful, The Ten Trusts will change how you understand and interact with the world.

The Story of Jane Goodall

In an approachable and educational format, teach your little ones the story of Jane Goodall. When presenting her revolutionary observations on wild chimps, Goodall not only changed the world of science but also those who participated in it, opening the door for a new generation of women.
From being a curious child with a love for animals to the foremost chimpanzee expert, discover how Jane Goodall made the world a better place—and show young readers they can do the same.

Jane Goodall

Jane Goodall is undoubtedly one of the most influential people of the last century. In this illuminating biography, Dale Peterson, a longtime collaborator of Goodall, reveals how she evolved into the renowned activist she is today.
Offering an insider's look into Goodall’s day-to-day life in the conservatory and detailing how she challenged the forefront thinkers in animal behavior, this book presents a portrait of a remarkable woman.
Featured image: Wikimedia Commons