Jane Goodall Dies at 91: Trailblazing Primatologist and Global Environmental Activist Remembered

Overview

Jane Goodall, renowned for her decades studying chimpanzees in Gombe, Tanzania, has died at age 91. The Guardian’s interview with environment editor John Watts highlights her trailblazing fieldwork, her empathetic approach to research, and her lifelong activism for conservation and animal welfare. Her work reframed how science views wildlife, challenged anthropocentric notions of tool use and social complexity, and inspired a worldwide movement through Roots & Shoots.

Introduction and death

Jane Goodall, the world’s leading chimpanzee researcher, passed away at 91, leaving a legacy that blends rigorous science with moral advocacy. Her career began with little formal training, yet she transformed primatology by placing relationships with animals at the center of study. In her early years at Gombe National Park, she built trust with chimpanzees and observed social bonds, emotions, and tool use that reshaped our understanding of our closest relatives.

"Nature isn't a distant object to study" - Jane Goodall, Primatologist

Research breakthroughs and methods

Goodall’s approach defied era norms in science. She spent extended periods in the field, often remaining in the same spot until the animals approached, and she named individual chimpanzees, a practice that sparked debate but yielded intimate insights into personality, family dynamics, and culture. Her documentation of tool construction and usage by chimpanzees, including David Greybeard, suspended the long-held belief that tool making defined humanity alone. This shift forced a reevaluation of distinctions between humans and apes, demonstrating continuity in cognition, social structure, and innovation across species.

"Do you know, you remind me of my favorite chimpanzee, David Greybeard" - Jane Goodall, Primatologist

Activism and institutional legacy

Beyond fieldwork, Goodall founded the Jane Goodall Institute in 1977 to protect wildlife and promote conservation on a global scale, evolving into a campaigning organization with hundreds of offices. She also launched Roots & Shoots in the early 1990s to engage youth in environmental and humanitarian work, a program that grew to thousands of initiatives worldwide, including in refugee camps. Her work bridged science and activism, linking poverty reduction, pollution control, and biodiversity protection with practical, youth-led action.

"Relationships are the key to understanding, particularly not just between her and David Greybeard and the chimpanzees, but between humanity and nature" - Jane Goodall, Primatologist

Legacy and personal impact

Goodall’s influence extends well beyond academia. Her interviews and public appearances, including conversations during the COVID era, showcased a feisty, principled advocate who spoke against colonialism and racism while supporting civil disobedience in activism. Personal anecdotes, like a school donation from a young student being treated as a meaningful gift, underscore her capacity to inspire countless individuals, especially young women, to pursue science and conservation. Her enduring message emphasizes that animals matter as individuals and that humanity has a responsibility to protect the natural world.

"I want to be remembered for having helped people to understand the true nature of animals" - Jane Goodall, Primatologist