On Oct. 1, 2025, the world lost a trailblazer in conservation and science with the passing of Jane Goodall. Her groundbreaking research transformed how we understand primates, including their behavior, biology, evolution and social lives. Beyond her scientific work, she inspired millions around the globe with her message of hope, showing that one person can truly make a difference.
Goodall’s journey in science began in 1960 when she arrived at what is now Gombe Stream National Park in Tanzania. At a time when few women were accepted in science, she broke barriers by challenging scientific and social norms.
While other scientists only saw instinct-driven creatures, Goodall saw that chimpanzees used tools and expressed emotions. Her most famous discovery was when she observed a chimpanzee, which she later named David Greybeard, using a blade of grass to extract termites from a mound. This experiment proved that humans were not the only tool-making animals, a revolutionary finding. Unlike her academic peers, who insisted on giving subjects numbers and keeping emotional distance, she gave the chimpanzees names like David Greybeard, Flo and Fifi. By immersing herself in the chimpanzees’ habitat and adopting a different approach of observation and empathy, she forever changed the way scientists viewed animals and redefined the line between humans and the animal kingdom.
Brienne Johnson (12) reflects on Goodall’s legacy and past accomplishments.
“Jane Goodall left an incredible legacy in the world of ethology and conservation,” Johnson said. “To go out and commit to supporting something, giving your all for it to be recognized, is truly inspiring. One thing she did was help the world learn more about our close relative, chimpanzees, and that they are omnivores and use tools just as human beings would, which was quite a shocking discovery at the time.”
Her discoveries continued to reveal the complex social behaviors of chimpanzees. These behaviors include affectionate gestures like hugging, holding hands and developing long-term bonds, but also their darker side of jealousy, aggression and warfare. Her decades of research laid the groundwork for modern primatology.
However, Goodall’s life was not without obstacles. She faced lots of skepticism and scrutiny from the scientific community and the public, especially because she was a young, untrained woman venturing into what was seen as a male-dominated field. But her unwavering dedication, strength and respect for the animals she studied made her not only a scientist but a symbol of perseverance and hope.
Her legacy continues to resonate powerfully. Sierra Shuford (11) found Goodall’s determination and courage especially moving.
“The fact that she was a pioneer of science as a woman in a time of great criticism for women studying anything remotely close to anthropology is so crazy to me, and it is incredibly inspiring to see someone be as successful as she was with all of the criticism about her work,” Shuford said.
Goodall’s work extended far beyond just observing and researching. In 1986, a conference revealed the shocking rate of deforestation and declining chimpanzee populations. This moved Goodall from a researcher to a passionate conservationist and activist. This led to the founding of the Jane Goodall Institute (JGI) in 1977 and the creation of its flagship program, Roots & Shoots, in 1991. Roots & Shoots, which began with just twelve Tanzanian high school students on her back porch, has grown into a global network that now empowers millions of young people in over 60 countries to act for animals, the environment and their communities. Goodall often said that this youth program was her proudest achievement.
As the planet faces urgent challenges from climate change to habitat destruction, Goodall’s message is more relevant than ever. She often reminded young people that their voices matter, and that meaningful change begins with small actions, whether it’s reducing waste, planting trees, protecting wildlife or advocating for cleaner energy.
Some students are already thinking about what those actions could be. For Mahi Patel (10), Goodall’s story sparks new ideas and a renewed sense of responsibility.
“One specific action I could take this week would be to help organize a recycling campaign or talk to our administration about using less plastic in the cafeteria,” Patel said. “Jane Goodall taught me that it’s not just about studying animals, it’s about making everyday choices that reflect and respect.”
Though she has passed, her legacy lives through the ongoing research at Gombe, the conservation efforts of the JGI, and, most importantly, through the countless individuals she inspired.
