Remembering Jane Goodall (1934–2025): her life, her impact on animal welfare, and how her legacy continues to guide our work.
Dr Jane Goodall passed away on 1 October 2025 at the age of 91, leaving behind a legacy that forever altered how humanity sees animals.
Her life's work, from immersive chimpanzee research to global advocacy, was driven by compassion, curiosity and conviction.
At World Animal Protection, we mourn this loss and celebrate her extraordinary contribution to animal welfare, conservation and science.
A life of ground-breaking discovery and compassion
Born on 3 April 1934 in London, Jane Goodall's childhood dreams led her to Africa where she made history in Gombe National Park, Tanzania. She documented behaviours in chimpanzees such as tool use, emotional complexity and social bonds that challenged assumptions and reshaped our understanding of primates.
In 1977 she founded the Jane Goodall Institute, and later launched Roots & Shoots, a programme that empowers youth to take action for animals, their communities and the planet.
She famously named individual chimpanzees instead of numbering them, a practice born of her belief that they have personalities, emotions and individuality.
Her unwavering commitment serves as a lasting inspiration for all who defend animal welfare.
A rescue collaboration that ended cruelty
One poignant example of Jane's alignment with our animal welfare work occurred in December 2017, when the Jane Goodall Institute of Nepal, with support from World Animal Protection, led the rescue of Rangila (19 year old male) and Sridevi (17 year old female).
They were the last known illegal 'dancing bears' in Nepal.
These bears had been forced into cruel performances to entertain people.
Their removal from that life marked a turning point and showed what is possible when organisations unite in action.
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Click to donateCarrying her vision forward
Jane Goodall's passing invites reflection, but more than that, it calls for action. Her values and teachings live on in the work of countless organisations, communities and individuals.
At World Animal Protection, we remain committed to the causes she held dear:
- Ending the exploitation of wild animals for entertainment
- Strengthening animal welfare protections globally
- Promoting compassion, science based advocacy and systemic change
Her legacy challenges us to push harder, speak louder and act more boldly. In her honour, we will continue striving for a world in which all animals are free from suffering.
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