The Life and Legacy of Jane Goodall: Remembering The Iconic Conservationist

By: Olivia Armstead

Jane Goodall, known for her pioneering breakthroughs in the study of primates and advocacy for environmental health, has passed away at the age of 91. 

According to an Instagram statement released by the Jane Goodall Institute, Goodall passed away on Wednesday, October 1, due to natural causes while she was in California as part of a United States speaking tour.

“Dr. Goodall’s discoveries as an ethologist revolutionized science, and she was a tireless advocate for the protection and restoration of our natural world,” the statement said. 

Goodall’s groundbreaking work dates back 65 years ago in 1960, when she traveled to Gombe Stream National Park in modern-day Tanzania to conduct field research to better understand the behavior of chimpanzees. Fully immersing herself in their humble abode and interacting with the animals, she was able to conclude that chimpanzees make and use tools.

This one discovery led to many others and was the kickstarter to several scientific advancements regarding animal science. She also paved the way for other women primatologists to break into the field. 

Goodall then went on to earn her Ph.D. in ethology in 1966 from the University of Cambridge and worked at Gombe Stream National Park for the next two decades. In addition to the study of primates, Goodall was also passionate about conservation and worked tirelessly to protect forests, fighting against deforestation. 

While in the midst of these efforts, Goodall established the Jane Goodall Institute in 1977 and its program Roots & Shoots in 1991, which encouraged young people interested in science to be involved in projects that called for the protection of the environment and wildlife. 

Goodall’s advocacy and work continue to inspire young generations of aspiring environmental scientists and advocates all over the country. 

“Dr. Jane Goodall showed that dedication and commitment is a major part of science, which is a direct contrast to the fast-paced and results-oriented world. She also had a mindset of justice and preservation of habitats, which every scientist and person should have. [I hope that this] mindset [has] inspired others because it [has] definitely inspired me,” said Angel Moultrie, a third-year marine and environmental science major at Hampton University. 

Goodall is survived by her son, Hugo Eric Louis van Lawick, and her three grandchildren.