Jane Goodall, a renowned scientist and global activist, has passed away at the age of 91. The Jane Goodall Institute announced her death, attributing it to natural causes. Goodall was celebrated for her groundbreaking work in ethology, which transformed the field of science.

Her lifelong passion for primates began in her childhood and evolved into a global mission to protect the environment. Goodall's journey took her from a small seaside village in England to Africa and around the world, where she sought to understand chimpanzees and the critical role humans play in preserving their habitats and the health of the planet.

As a female scientist in the 1960s, Goodall broke new ground in her field. She studied primate behavior in a way that was unprecedented at the time. By naming chimpanzees instead of assigning them numbers, she highlighted their unique personalities and family dynamics. Her observations revealed that chimpanzees, like humans, use tools. In a 2002 TED Talk, she stated, "We have found that after all there isn't a sharp line dividing humans from the rest of the animal kingdom."

Over the years, Goodall shifted her focus from primatology to climate advocacy. Witnessing extensive habitat destruction, she became a vocal proponent for urgent action on climate change. In a 2020 interview, she remarked, "We're forgetting that we're part of the natural world. There's still a window of time."

Goodall's contributions to science and conservation were recognized with numerous honors. In 2003, she was appointed a Dame of the British Empire, and in 2025, she received the U.S. Presidential Medal of Freedom. Her legacy as a pioneer in conservation and a champion for the environment will continue to inspire future generations.