We mourn the loss of Dr Jane Goodall, who passed away on 1 October 2025 at the age of 91. Her journey began in Tanzania in 1960, when she travelled to Gombe Stream National Park to study wild chimpanzees. Without formal scientific training, Jane’s patience and empathy enabled her to make discoveries that would transform our understanding of animal behaviour and human identity – from witnessing tool use among chimpanzees to recognising the depth of their social bonds.
Her sixty-year study at Gombe remains one of the longest-running wildlife research projects in history. Beyond research, Jane dedicated her life to conservation and to empowering young people, founding the Jane Goodall Institute in 1977 and the Roots & Shoots movement in 1991, now active in nearly 100 countries.
Her global influence was immense, but her roots in Tanzania were profound. Jane Goodall’s work placed Tanzania at the heart of a revolution in science and conservation, inspiring generations to protect life on Earth. Her voice and vision will continue to guide us.