Jane Goodall, Renowned Primatologist, Dies at 91 Jane Goodall, the pioneering naturalist known for transformative studies of chimpanzees in the wild, passed away at 91 in California due to natural causes. Her work revolutionized scientific understanding of humankind by revealing shared behaviors and emotions with chimpanzees. --- Key Contributions and Discoveries Tool Use Among Chimpanzees: In 1960, Goodall discovered chimpanzees making and using tools, challenging the long-held belief that only humans could do this. Behavioral Insights: She observed chimps hunting, consuming meat, and exhibiting human-like emotions such as grief, love, and violence. Long-Term Study: Established the Gombe Stream National Park study in Tanzania, one of the world's longest-running animal behavior studies. She named individual chimps instead of numbering them, a radical approach at the time. These findings reshaped primatology and biology, increasing the scientific community's appreciation for animal emotions and social complexity. --- Career Highlights Mentored by anthropologist Louis S.B. Leakey. Published groundbreaking discoveries in Nature (1964). Earned a doctorate from Cambridge without a prior bachelor’s degree, a rare accomplishment. Married filmmaker Hugo Van Lawick in 1964, with whom she had a son. The couple later divorced; she remarried Derek Bryceson, who died in 1977. Founder of the Jane Goodall Institute (1977), advocating for great ape conservation and sustainable development. Created Roots and Shoots, a youth empowerment program active in 130 countries. Active conservation and animal rights advocate, speaking globally up to her 80s, promoting habitat preservation and sustainable living. --- Landmark Observations Witnessed and documented chimpanzee warfare ("four-year war") in the 1970s, where one group violently attacked another—first scientific proof of organized aggression in non-human primates. Challenged scientific norms by describing chimps with human traits and names despite initial skepticism and resistance. Her empathetic interaction with chimps, including grooming and protecting them, fostered greater public connection to primates. --- Personal Background Born April 3, 1934, in London, raised in Bournemouth, England in a strong female-led household. From childhood, showed deep curiosity for animals and nature, demonstrated by immersive early observations. Inspired by adventure literature and the natural world, she pursued her dream to live in Africa and study animals. --- Legacy and Honors Awarded the National Geographic Society’s prestigious Hubbard Medal in 1995. Featured in the 2017 documentary Jane, which received critical acclaim. Left a lasting impact on science, conservation, women in science, and public awareness of animal rights. Viewed as a role model by other primatologists like Dian Fossey and Birutė Galdikas. --- Supporting Links and Further Reading Jane Goodall Institute: janegoodall.org Related LA Times articles on Goodall’s life and work Documentary Jane and various interviews --- “I merely translated [the chimpanzees] for people,” Goodall said, humanizing her subjects and fostering a deeper understanding of the natural world. --- Article Information Author: Elaine Woo, former Los Angeles Times staff writer Published: October 1, 2025, 11:08 AM PT Category tags: Obituaries, Science & Medicine, World & Nation, Entertainment & Arts, Movies, Animals & Pets --- This obituary highlights Jane Goodall's extraordinary life as a scientist, advocate, and compassionate observer whose legacy profoundly changed how humanity views itself and its closest animal relatives.