How Jane Goodall, Who Died at 91, Spent Her Final Days — The Life Story of a Remarkable Woman

She dedicated her life to caring for animals and conservation, becoming known worldwide as a scientist, a conservationist, and a force of nature — a figure whose single voice inspired millions. Now, her death has left the world in shock.

The Jane Goodall Institute confirmed on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, that the trailblazing ethologist, Jane Goodall, has passed away at the age of 91. The institute revealed that she died from natural causes.

Scheduled to Appear Just Days After Her Death

The institute revealed that she was in California on her 2025 USA Fall Tour at the time of her passing. Among her scheduled stops was an October 3 appearance in Los Angeles — a reflection of her determination to stay engaged well into her nineties.

Her Final Call to Action: Urgency, Courage, and Hope

In the days leading up to her passing, Goodall continued advocating for climate protection, stressing that the crisis — though the defining challenge of this century — could be overcome through collective courage.

Even in 2015, when asked about retirement, she insisted her work would continue as long as her mind and body allowed. Aware of life's unpredictability, she felt compelled to make the most of every moment — seeing age not as a reason to slow down, but as motivation to accelerate her efforts.

Celebrating 90: A Birthday Among Dogs and Nature

In a May 2025 interview, she recalled celebrating her 90th birthday on a beach with 90 dogs, joyfully tossing sticks into the sea as the weather shifted from rain to sun. That same sense of vitality fueled her extensive travels — often covering 300 days of the year — as she pursued her mission with unwavering dedication.

Even when global challenges left many discouraged, she remained convinced that lasting change began locally, through simple actions such as cleaning up litter or protecting forests.

A Childhood Marked by Worms, Books, and Boundless Curiosity

Goodall's love of animals began in toddlerhood when she once took a handful of earthworms to bed— a curiosity her mother nurtured into a lifelong passion. By age ten, after reading books like "Dr. Dolittle" and "Tarzan of the Apes," she dreamed of living in Africa among animals and writing about her experiences.

One of her most cherished companions was Mr. H, a stuffed toy given to her by a blind U.S. Marine. She brought it on trips to 64 countries, sharing it with audiences as a source of inspiration.

A Life of Love, Loss, and Fierce Independence

Her first marriage was to wildlife photographer Hugo van Lawick, who National Geographic had assigned to document her work with chimpanzees. Though initially concerned that his presence might interfere with her research, the two forged a formidable bond. His photography provided vital evidence that validated her revolutionary findings.

After van Lawick, Goodall married Tanzanian parliament member Derek Bryceson, who died in 1980. She never remarried.

"Well, I didn't want to," she told People in 2020. "I didn't meet the right person, I suppose, or potentially the right person. I had lots of men friends, many. I had lots of women friends too. My life was complete. I didn't need a husband."