The world has lost a pioneering figure in primatology and conservation. Renowned scientist Jane Goodall passed away on Wednesday at the age of 91, her institute announced.
Goodall died peacefully in California as part of a speaking tour through the United States. Born in London in 1934, her groundbreaking research began in the early 1960s within the Gombe Stream National Park in Tanzania. Her aim was to understand the evolution of human behaviour through observing chimpanzees.
Her work provided definitive confirmation of chimpanzees’ capacity for tool use, building upon earlier observations and fundamentally altering the scientific understanding of primate behaviour. Notably, Goodall’s practice of assigning names to the chimpanzees she studied deviated from typical research protocols of the time and fostered a deeper connection to her subjects. Her detailed accounts significantly broadened public and scientific knowledge of primates.
Beyond her research, Goodall dedicated her life to sharing her discoveries and advocating for environmental protection. She served as a United Nations peace ambassador and actively campaigned for the preservation and restoration of natural habitats. The Jane Goodall Institute, established to continue her legacy, focuses on protecting primate habitats and promoting public education regarding these animals.
