Renowned Primatologist and Conservation Icon Jane Goodall D!es Aged 91

Renowned Primatologist and Conservation Icon Jane Goodall Dies Aged 91

Renowned conservationist Jane Goodall, celebrated for her pioneering field research on chimpanzees and worldwide environmental advocacy, has passed away at the age of 91.

The Jane Goodall Institute announced on Instagram Wednesday that the celebrated primatologist has passed away.

Decades ago, during her time living with chimpanzees in Africa, Goodall observed these animals using tools and engaging in activities once thought to be unique to humans. She also highlighted their distinct personalities. Her findings, along with magazine features and documentaries from the 1960s, revolutionized how people viewed not only our closest biological relatives but also the emotional and social complexity of all animals. This work catapulted her into public awareness.

In her later years, Goodall dedicated many decades to education and advocacy focused on humanitarian causes and environmental conservation. Known for her gentle British accent, she expertly balanced the harsh truths of the climate crisis with a heartfelt message of hope for what lies ahead.

Based in the coastal U.K. town of Bournemouth, she spent almost 300 days a year traveling well into her 90s to deliver talks to packed auditoriums worldwide. While addressing important topics, her speeches frequently included playful moments where she imitated chimpanzee calls or humorously pointed out that Tarzan picked the wrong Jane.

Non-traditional method

While initially studying chimpanzees in Tanzania during the early 1960s, Goodall gained recognition for her unconventional methods. Rather than merely observing from a distance, she fully immersed herself in their daily lives by feeding them and assigning names instead of numbers—an approach that drew criticism from some scientists.

Her discoveries reached millions when she appeared on the cover of National Geographic in 1963, followed shortly by a widely-viewed documentary. A series of photographs depicting Goodall working in the field contributed to her and some of the chimpanzees gaining fame. One memorable image captures her crouched opposite an infant chimp named Flint, both with arms extended toward each other.