Dame Jane Goodall, a renowned conservationist and leading expert on chimpanzees, passed away at the age of 91. According to the Jane Goodall Institute, she died of natural causes while in California during a speaking tour in the United States. Goodall’s extensive observations have significantly enhanced the understanding of the close relationship between humans and chimpanzees, as well as contributed to a range of conservation projects globally.
The United Nations expressed its sorrow over Goodall’s passing, noting her tireless commitment to both humanity and the natural world. Organizations such as Greenpeace acknowledged her influence, describing her as a substantial figure in conservation and highlighting her role in sparking global movements focused on protecting the environment.
Born in 1934 in London, Goodall developed a fascination with animals from an early age, inspired by children’s literature. She met prominent primatologist Louis Leakey in her mid-twenties, which eventually led to her groundbreaking research trip to Tanzania in 1960. During this time, she became the first person to document a chimpanzee using a tool, challenging long-held beliefs about animal intelligence.
Goodall’s findings, published in various scientific journals, brought to light the complex social structures and emotional lives of chimpanzees. Despite facing skepticism from some in the scientific community, her work gained international recognition, including a National Geographic cover in 1965.
Later in life, she shifted focus towards activism, advocating for the rights of chimpanzees in captivity and addressing climate change as a pressing global issue. Her organization, the Jane Goodall Institute, founded in 1977, continues to work towards chimpanzee conservation and environmental projects. Goodall remained active in her efforts until her death, speaking a week prior to her passing.
She is remembered not only for her scientific contributions but also for her humanitarian approach, inspiring future generations to care for the planet.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/czrp24myrl7o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss