Daijiworld Media Network – California
California, Oct 2: The world bid farewell to Dr Jane Goodall, the iconic British conservationist and primatologist whose groundbreaking work on chimpanzees transformed our understanding of humans and the natural world. Goodall passed away at the age of 91 of natural causes in California while on a speaking tour, the Jane Goodall Institute announced on Wednesday.
Born in London in 1934, Goodall’s fascination with animals led her to Tanzania in 1960, where she began her pioneering research on free-living chimpanzees. Her landmark observation of a chimpanzee named David Greybeard using tools to fish termites challenged the belief that only humans were capable of tool-making, forever changing the field of ethology.
In 1977, she founded the Jane Goodall Institute, which works tirelessly to protect great apes and their habitats, while promoting youth initiatives focused on conservation and environmental stewardship. Beyond her scientific contributions, Goodall spent decades advocating for humanitarian causes, balancing the urgent realities of the climate crisis with messages of hope and inspiration.
Even after turning 90, Goodall travelled nearly 300 days a year, delivering lectures to packed auditoriums worldwide. Known for her infectious enthusiasm, she often punctuated serious talks with chimpanzee whoops or playful references to Tarzan, captivating audiences of all ages.
In 2002, she was appointed a United Nations Messenger of Peace, a role in which she continued to champion the planet and its inhabitants. The UN expressed its grief, stating: “Today, the UN family mourns the loss of Dr Jane Goodall. The scientist, conservationist, and UN Messenger of Peace worked tirelessly for our planet and all its inhabitants, leaving an extraordinary legacy for humanity and nature.”
Dr. Jane Goodall’s life and work leave an indelible mark on science, conservation, and humanity, inspiring generations to protect the natural world and coexist responsibly with all living beings.