Jane Goodall, icon of primatology and environmentalism, dies

Jane Goodall was a pioneer in the field of chimpanzee behaviour studies; she worked in Gombe National Park, Tanzania, where she documented their social structure and culture. Her work changed our perception of chimpanzees and also had an impact on palaeoanthropology. She later became a conservation activist and championed the cause of biodiversity protection until her death. She is an international reference in both areas, but she was also famous for her positive spirit and affability.

Jane Goodall was a scientist ahead of her time, courageous and even misunderstood in her early days, who broke the mould and redefined what it means to approach animals with respect and empathy. What we now accept as scientific evidence was revolutionary at the time: detailed observations, infinite patience and a deeply human approach that humanised chimpanzees and, in turn, connected us with our more animalistic side. She was also a true pioneer in the role of women in science, demonstrating by example that passion, dedication and rigour know no gender boundaries. Her tireless curiosity, rigour and humble passion transformed primatology and the way we understand the life around us, bringing science closer to people and, at the same time, building a legacy of conservation and sustainability, brick by brick, step by step.

All of us who were fortunate enough to meet her, spend time with her or listen to her were touched by her almost magical inspiration: a combination of humility, inner strength and authenticity that continues to guide researchers, educators and nature lovers around the world. Jane Goodall leaves behind a legacy that does not depend on a single person, but on thousands of seeds that follow her example. Her influence will continue to mark a before and after in science, conservation, social justice and equal opportunities for women in research.

I had the opportunity to spend time with her in La Palma at the Starmus Festival this April. I found her to be full of energy and eager to fight for animal rights and human rights.

Jane was an inspiration for so many. For us primatologists, she paved the way to the secret world of our closest living relatives, the chimpanzees, and she continuously reminded us that there is no such thing as the chimpanzee, but that there are individuals with their peculiarities, characters, ambitions and histories. Her ability to form a human connection with them gave us a deeper understanding of who we are. 

Her later life was devoted to the conservation of chimpanzees and their natural habitats. She has built up one of the most powerful conservation organisations of the world. Thanks to her charisma, convictions and energy managed to protect thousands of them and changed the lives of millions of us. She devoted her life to another species and, in doing so, became one of the best of our own.

For us, she was a historical figure. By far the most influential person in primatology and conservation. Generations of students, researchers and academics have been influenced in part by her communication skills and her studies. Without her, our field would not have progressed as much, and the truth is that we feel a little orphaned by the news.

The research conducted by the great naturalist Jane Goodall on chimpanzees in the wild, published in leading scientific journals and also in popular media outlets that made it accessible to all audiences, revealed to us the biology, sociology and minds of our primate cousins, while also holding up a mirror to our own behaviour.

Jane Goodall is an unrivalled icon in the field of primatology. Her contribution is undoubtedly enormous and has laid the foundations for the work of many scientists, myself included. However, I believe she should mainly be remembered for her ability to inspire others. Jane was a great primatologist, but as a person she was unique. It is difficult to assess how much our world has improved with her presence, but we undoubtedly live on a better planet thanks to her.

Her loss is a blow to species conservation and science. Jane Goodall, the primatologist, will continue to be talked about for many years to come, but her legacy will live on forever. She leaves us with the inspiration of an extraordinary, deeply meaningful and well-lived life.

Jane Goodall was not only a brilliant scientist — she was a pioneer, a voice for those who could not speak, and a messenger of our shared humanity.

Born in London in 1934, she went to the forests of Gombe in Tanzania in 1960 and began an extraordinary journey. She did not see chimpanzees as mere subjects. She named them, respected them, and revealed to the world that they use tools, feel emotions, and form complex social bonds — discoveries that forever changed our understanding of animals, and of ourselves.

Through her work, Jane broke down the wall between humans and other living beings. She reminded us that our closest relatives embody curiosity, intelligence, and compassion, and that with this knowledge comes responsibility.

Her legacy goes far beyond science. In 1977 she founded the Jane Goodall Institute, and through her Roots & Shoots program she inspired generations of young people to care for the Earth and to believe that even small actions can change the world.

Until her final days, Jane never stopped traveling, speaking, and inspiring. She leaves us at 91, but her voice and her vision will continue to guide us toward a more compassionate relationship with the living world.

As Jane often said: ‘Every individual matters. Every individual has a role to play. Every individual makes a difference.’ Let us carry that torch forward.