by Madison Benoit ‘29 on October 9, 2025
National and Global News
Dr. Jane Goodall, the founder of The Jane Goodall Institute, a United Nations Messenger of Peace, and a world-renowned humanitarian, ethologist, and conservationist, died on Wednesday, Oct. 1, at the age of 91 due to natural causes.
Dr. Goodall was best known for her study of wild chimpanzees, most notably the primates’ use of tools and distinct personalities. Her technique famously included living among chimpanzees. This led to her documenting the chimps doing activities that were previously only seen among humans.
Her extraordinary work with chimpanzees began at the age of only 26 in the 1960s. In a time when British authorities insisted she have a companion to travel to Africa to study, she brought her mother. When her work began, she lacked any formal scientific training and was instead chosen for her open mind. This very open mind is what allowed her to gain the chimpanzees’ trust and study their behaviors in a way no other human had.
Her speaking engagements and documentary appearances led her to become a beloved household name around the world, transcending generations. In her later years, Goodall continued her humanitarian work in education and advocacy, rather than in the jungle. Even after she turned 90, she continued to travel for nearly 300 days a year for public speeches.
Her speeches were known for being unique and often included her whooping like a chimpanzee or arguing that Tarzan chose the wrong Jane. Nonetheless, her message always stayed centered on advocacy and conservation of the natural world. She spoke often on the dangers of the climate crisis to our world, which she worked hard to combat.
On Wednesday, Oct. 1, she had been scheduled to meet with teachers and students in order to launch the planting of 5,000 trees in areas affected by wildfires in the Los Angeles region. After organizers learned of her death, the first tree was planted in Goodall’s name with a moment of silence. The spokesperson for EF Academy in Pasadena, Shawn Marino, said, “I don’t think there’s any better way to honor her legacy than having a thousand children gathered for her.”
Goodall has left behind a legacy that has inspired many across the world to protect the Earth and appreciate the beautiful animals that live here.