Jane Goodall, recognized as the leading authority on chimpanzees and featured in over 40 documentaries, has passed away.
In the wake of her death at the age of 91, the world is honoring Jane Goodall’s remarkable life — and one individual deeply influenced by the iconic activist is Leonardo DiCaprio.
The actor has expressed his sincere final thoughts about the renowned anthropologist.
A young woman in a male-dominated world
The world is grieving the loss of Jane Goodall, the trailblazing primatologist whose innovative research on chimpanzees changed our perception of the natural world. Goodall, who was 91, died on October 1, 2025, during a speaking engagement in California, as confirmed by the Jane Goodall Institute.
Goodall’s name has become a symbol of compassion for wildlife and relentless conservation efforts. She first gained international recognition in 1960 when she journeyed from England to what is now Tanzania to observe chimpanzees in their natural habitat — a daring endeavor for a young woman in a male-dominated profession.
She shared with People her observations of chimpanzees utilizing tools: “Using a piece of grass as a tool to fish for termites, then picking leafy twigs and stripping the leaves.” Prior to this, tool use was believed to be an exclusively human trait.
Her passion for animals and her determination to create change inspired her to obtain a Ph.D. in ethology from Cambridge in 1962, even without a bachelor’s degree. In 1977, she established the Jane Goodall Institute, wrote several books, and dedicated over sixty years to championing animal welfare, conservation, and environmental protection.
“I’m desperate to make a difference before it’s too late,” she expressed to Parade in 2020.
“We can either give up, or we can acknowledge the harm we’ve done to the environment and commit to fighting for what remains.”
Goodall’s efforts earned her the title of UN Messenger of Peace, a distinction she shared with Leonardo DiCaprio. After her passing, the Oscar-winning actor paid a touching tribute to his long-time friend and collaborator.
Leonardo DiCaprio’s final words to her
“Jane Goodall dedicated her life to safeguarding our planet and giving a voice to the wild animals and their ecosystems,” DiCaprio shared on Instagram.
“Her pioneering research on chimpanzees in Tanzania changed our understanding of how our closest relatives live, interact, and think—reminding us of our deep connection not just to chimpanzees and other great apes, but to all forms of life.”
He added, “For many years, Jane traveled the globe with unwavering energy, inspiring generations to appreciate the beauty of the natural world. She communicated directly with the youth, fostering hope, responsibility, and the belief that each person can make a difference. She motivated millions to care, to take action, and to remain hopeful. She never wavered. My heartfelt condolences to her family.
DiCaprio encouraged his followers to celebrate Goodall’s legacy: “Join me in supporting the Jane Goodall Institute and other conservation organizations. My final message to Jane was straightforward: ‘You are my hero.’ Now, we all need to carry the torch for her in safeguarding our shared home.”
Goodall’s impact reached well beyond the realm of science. She featured in over 40 documentaries, sharing her findings and insights with the world, and most recently worked with DiCaprio on Howl, a live-action film that delves into the survival journey of a dog and a wolf from the animals’ viewpoint.
What was the reason for Jane Goodall’s passing?
It remains uncertain if Jane Goodall faced any life-threatening conditions, but it is known that she had prosopagnosia, which made it challenging for her to recognize familiar faces.
She passed away from natural causes, as confirmed by the Jane Goodall Institute on Instagram.
Jane’s journey — from a young girl who was inspired by her love for animals to a pioneering anthropologist and a worldwide environmental icon — creates a lasting legacy that will keep inspiring future generations.
She is survived by her son, Hugo Eric Louis van Lawick, along with three grandchildren.
