Jane Goodall, the celebrated primatologist and conservationist, has died

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🗞️ Driving the news: Jane Goodall, the world-renowned primatologist, environmentalist, and humanitarian, has died at the age of 91
• She passed away of natural causes while on a U.S. speaking tour in California
• The Jane Goodall Institute confirmed her death, highlighting her life’s work as having “revolutionized science” and made her a global force in conservation and environmental advocacy

🔭 The context: Goodall first rose to prominence in the 1960s for her unprecedented field research with chimpanzees in Tanzania, where she documented the animals' use of tools, emotional complexity, and social structures
• Her approach — naming rather than numbering chimpanzees and immersing herself in their environment — was initially controversial but ultimately redefined primatology
• Over time, she became a global symbol of ethical science, environmental stewardship, and compassionate activism, founding the Jane Goodall Institute and the youth movement Roots & Shoots

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Goodall’s influence extended far beyond academia
• She reshaped humanity’s relationship with nature by revealing deep emotional and cognitive connections between humans and animals, helping to spark global interest in biodiversity, animal welfare, and habitat preservation
• In her later years, she became a tireless advocate for climate action, education, and ecological restoration — often balancing stark scientific warnings with a consistent message of hope and agency

⏭️ What's next: In the wake of her death, institutions worldwide are expected to honour Goodall’s legacy through renewed commitments to conservation, education, and youth engagement
• A tree-planting ceremony she was scheduled to attend in California became an impromptu memorial, with thousands of students planting trees in her name
• Tributes from world leaders, scientists, and climate advocates are likely to catalyze a new wave of public reflection and recommitment to her causes — particularly in the lead-up to COP30

💬 One quote: "In many ways Jane just died on the job — the job that her life became. And that was protecting life on Earth." – Chris Packham, nature broadcaster

📈 One stat: Jane Goodall spent over 300 days a year traveling for advocacy well into her 90s, making her one of the most active and enduring public figures in environmental science

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