Remembering Jane Goodall, Trailblazing Scientist and Messenger for the Planet

The renowned primatologist and environmentalist, who passed away in 2025, is celebrated on what would have been her 92nd birthday.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 11:39am

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A highly structured abstract painting in muted earth tones, featuring sweeping geometric arcs, concentric circles, and precise botanical spirals, conveying the complex web of life on our planet.A visionary illustration capturing the profound interconnectedness of all life on Earth, as championed by the trailblazing scientist and environmentalist Jane Goodall.Chicago Today

Today, April 3rd, marks International Jane Goodall Day, honoring the life and legacy of the renowned primatologist and environmentalist who passed away in 2025 at the age of 91. Goodall, known as one of 'Leakey's Angels,' was a trailblazer who broke new ground in the scientific community with her groundbreaking research on chimpanzee behavior and emotions, paving the way for future women scientists. Beyond her academic work, Goodall was also a tireless advocate for the environment, animals, and young people, founding the Jane Goodall Institute and the Roots & Shoots program to inspire the next generation to protect the planet.

Why it matters

Jane Goodall's life and work had a profound impact that extended far beyond the scientific community. As a woman in science, she challenged the status quo and helped redefine the boundaries of what was considered 'objective' research. Her advocacy for animal rights, environmentalism, and empowering youth have left an indelible mark, inspiring millions around the world to follow in her footsteps and fight for a more sustainable future.

The details

Goodall's pioneering research on chimpanzees in the early 1960s at Gombe National Park in Tanzania was groundbreaking, as she defied the scientific norms of the time by giving the chimps names rather than numbers and documenting their individual personalities and emotions. This approach was initially met with criticism from her colleagues, but Goodall persisted, ultimately proving that many mammals, including our closest genetic relatives, do indeed experience complex emotions. After founding the Jane Goodall Institute, Goodall shifted her focus to environmental and animal advocacy, traveling the world tirelessly to spread her message of hope and inspire young people to take action.

  • Jane Goodall was born on April 3, 1934.
  • She passed away in October 2025 at the age of 91.
  • International Jane Goodall Day is celebrated annually on April 3rd, her birthday.

The players

Jane Goodall

A renowned primatologist and environmentalist who pioneered the study of chimpanzee behavior and emotions, and went on to become a tireless advocate for animal rights, environmentalism, and youth empowerment.

Louis Leakey

The renowned paleoanthropologist who recruited Goodall and other female scientists, including Dian Fossey and Birute Galdikas, to study great apes, coining them 'Leakey's Angels.'

Dian Fossey

A primatologist who studied the mountain gorillas of Rwanda and was the subject of the film 'Gorillas in the Mist.'

Birute Galdikas

A primatologist who studied the orangutans of Borneo and was the third member of 'Leakey's Angels' alongside Goodall and Fossey.

Hugo van Lawick

Goodall's first husband, a Dutch baron and wildlife photographer who worked for National Geographic.

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What they’re saying

“I was told to give the chimps numbers, not names. Scientists then were outraged that I actually recorded and wrote about individual personalities and emotions because according to them, personalities and emotions were restricted only to humans.”

— Jane Goodall, Primatologist

“The idea is that whether you live in China or the U.S. or in Africa, we are all the same. True, we live in different environments, our cultures may be different, and our religions may be different – but we all share two fundamental facts. We are all human. And we all live on the same planet.”

— Jane Goodall, Primatologist

“Every single day, every single one of us lives – every one of us makes an impact on the planet. We have a choice about what that impact will be. And consider even the little choices, like what we buy. Did it harm animals? Will it harm the environment? Is it cheap because of child slave labor? If we make ethical choices together – millions of us – it will matter. We can all make a difference.”

— Jane Goodall, Primatologist

What’s next

A children's book co-authored by Jane Goodall and ethologist Dr. Marc Bekoff is scheduled to be released later this year, continuing Goodall's legacy of inspiring the next generation to protect the planet.

The takeaway

Jane Goodall's life and work serve as a powerful reminder that one person can make a profound difference. Through her groundbreaking research, tireless advocacy, and unwavering commitment to empowering youth, Goodall left an indelible mark on the world and inspired millions to follow in her footsteps in the fight for a more sustainable future.