Jane Goodall (1934 - 2025) RIP

The Gombe expedition launched a career that lasted for almost seven decades and made Goodall the world’s foremost authority on chimpanzees. She spent the next 65 years advocating for chimpanzees, nature and wildlife conservation, climate change, and the environment. When she was well into her 70's, she was still travelling the world nearly 300 days a year on this mission. As a child, instead of a teddy bear, her father gave her a plush toy chimpanzee she named Jubilee. Jubilee still sits on Jane's dresser in London.

In April of 2020, I recorded a broadcast of National Geographic’s 2017 documentary JANE. As of this writing, it’s still on my DVR. I have never deleted it. Yes, I know it’s streaming on Disney+ and I can watch it any time I want. But I’ve just never felt comfortable with the idea of deleting it. And honestly, I just like the idea of it being there. Over the last 5 years, I’ve watched it several times. But never was a viewing as meaningful as it was tonight when I learned the news of her passing. I’ve been an animal lover for as long as I can remember. So of course Jane Goodall was one of my idols. Her passion and dedication have inspired millions around the globe. And I suspect will continue to do so for generations to come.

Dr. Jane Goodall passed away on October 1, 2025. On September 30, the day before she died, her final Instagram post featured a video of chimpanzees.

My thoughts, prayers, and heartfelt condolences to all her family, friends, and colleagues who mourn her loss.