Dr. Jane Goodall, the esteemed British primatologist, anthropologist, and conservationist, passed away at the age of 91 on Wednesday, October 1, of natural causes in California. The Jane Goodall Institute confirmed her death, marking the end of a remarkable life that profoundly reshaped humanity's understanding of chimpanzees and dedicated more than six decades to the study and conservation of wild chimpanzees in Gombe, Tanzania.

Goodall’s pioneering research, which began in 1960, was groundbreaking. Through her work, she meticulously uncovered the intricate social structures and rich family lives of chimpanzees, fundamentally altering the world's perception of animals and the deep connection they share with humans. Her findings challenged prevailing scientific views and paved the way for new approaches in primatology and animal behavior.

Beyond her direct research, Dr. Goodall was a tireless advocate for conservation and animal welfare globally. She held a particular admiration for Rwanda's exemplary efforts in mountain gorilla conservation. In a pre-recorded message for the 2022 Gorilla Naming Ceremony (Kwita Izina) on September 3, 2022, she lauded the Government of Rwanda for its significant contributions. Goodall highlighted the remarkable turnaround for mountain gorillas, noting their status shift from 'critically endangered' to 'endangered,' thanks to a population increase to over 1060 individuals. She emphasized this as a 'giant step forward,' illustrating the power of collaborative efforts to create a safer world for wildlife.

Dr. Goodall was the visionary founder of the Jane Goodall Institute and also established the Roots & Shoots youth program, a global network now active in over 100 countries. Roots & Shoots Rwanda continues her legacy by empowering young people to develop local, impactful solutions for people, animals, and the environment. Her influence was also recognized through her appointment as a United Nations Messenger of Peace in 2002 and as an honorary member of the World Future Council. From 2022 until her passing, she served on the board of the Nonhuman Rights Project.

Her commitment to conservation in Rwanda was further demonstrated during a 2013 visit to the country. During this trip, she engaged with officials from the Rwanda Development Board, park rangers, conservation students, and representatives from international organizations. Dr. Goodall also toured Nyungwe National Park, expressing a heartfelt commitment to return and continue working alongside Rwandans in their vital efforts to protect chimpanzees and broader biodiversity. Her life's work leaves an indelible mark on science, conservation, and the human-animal bond.