Dr. Jane Goodall: A Life Dedicated to Protecting Chimpanzees
Explore the life and legacy of Dr. Jane Goodall, the renowned primatologist who revolutionized our understanding of chimpanzees.
Discover her journey from a young animal lover to a global force for conservation, climate action, and sustainable living.
Dr. Jane Goodall is a name synonymous with groundbreaking scientific discovery, tireless conservation efforts, and an unwavering commitment to the natural world.
Her life’s work has not only transformed our understanding of chimpanzees but also reshaped how humanity perceives its relationship with the animal kingdom.
As of March 31, 2025, many people still wonder about her status, her remarkable achievements, and the personal details that have shaped her extraordinary journey.
Is Dr. Jane Goodall Still Alive?
Yes, Dr. Jane Goodall is still alive as of March 31, 2025. Born on April 3, 1934, she continues to inspire millions around the globe with her presence and advocacy. At 90 years old, she remains an active figure, traveling the world to speak about conservation, climate change, and the importance of empowering young people to protect the environment. Her resilience and dedication have made her a living legend, and she shows no signs of slowing down, even as she enters her tenth decade of life.
What Is Dr. Jane Goodall Famous For?
Dr. Jane Goodall is most famous for her pioneering research on wild chimpanzees in Gombe Stream National Park, Tanzania, which began in 1960.
At the age of 26, armed with little more than a notebook, binoculars, and a deep passion for animals, she ventured into the forests of East Africa to study these primates in their natural habitat.
At the time, the scientific community knew very little about chimpanzees, and Goodall’s work would go on to challenge long-held assumptions about animal behavior and humanity’s place in the natural world.
One of her most groundbreaking discoveries came in October 1960, when she observed a chimpanzee named David Greybeard using a blade of grass to extract termites from a mound—a clear demonstration of tool-making and use.
Until that moment, scientists widely believed that tool-making was a uniquely human trait, often defining humans as “Man the Toolmaker.” Goodall’s observation shattered this notion, prompting a reevaluation of the boundaries between humans and other animals.
She also discovered that chimpanzees are omnivorous, not strictly vegetarian as previously thought, and that they exhibit complex social behaviors, including cooperation, conflict, and even warfare.
Beyond her scientific discoveries, Goodall is renowned for her unorthodox approach to research. Rather than assigning numbers to the chimpanzees, as was standard practice, she gave them names like Flo, Goliath, and Frodo, reflecting their individual personalities.
This humanizing perspective, though initially criticized by her academic peers, helped bridge the gap between scientific study and public understanding, making her work accessible and relatable to a global audience.
Goodall’s fame extends beyond her research to her role as a conservationist and activist. In 1977, she founded the Jane Goodall Institute (JGI), which continues her chimpanzee research while expanding efforts to protect their habitats and support local communities.
Her global youth program, Roots & Shoots, launched in 1991, empowers young people in over 60 countries to take action for the environment.
Her tireless advocacy has earned her accolades as a United Nations Messenger of Peace and a beacon of hope in the fight against environmental degradation.
Jane Goodall’s Age
As of March 31, 2025, Jane Goodall is 90 years old, with her 91st birthday approaching on April 3, 2025. Born in London, England, in 1934, she has lived through nearly a century of profound change, from World War II to the digital age, all while dedicating her life to the study and preservation of nature.
Her longevity is a testament to her enduring passion and physical stamina—qualities that have sustained her through decades of fieldwork, international travel, and public speaking.
Even at 90, she reportedly travels 300 days a year, a schedule that would exhaust many half her age, proving that her commitment to her cause remains as strong as ever.
Jane Goodall’s Son
Jane Goodall has one son, Hugo Eric Louis van Lawick, affectionately known as “Grub,” born on March 4, 1967.
Grub is the child of Goodall and her first husband, Hugo van Lawick, a Dutch photographer and filmmaker who documented her early work in Gombe.
Growing up in Tanzania near Lake Tanganyika, Grub spent his early years surrounded by the wild chimpanzees his mother studied.
To protect him from potential dangers, such as aggressive chimpanzees or other wildlife, his parents constructed a special “cage”—a structure that allowed him to play outdoors safely.
Grub’s childhood was unconventional, shaped by the rhythms of his mother’s research and the natural world.
Although Goodall and Hugo van Lawick divorced in 1974, Grub remained a significant part of her life. As an adult, he has largely stayed out of the public eye, choosing a quieter existence compared to his mother’s high-profile career.
He has worked in various capacities, including in Tanzania, and has occasionally contributed to projects related to his mother’s legacy, though he has not pursued the same level of public recognition.
Jane Goodall’s Husband
Jane Goodall has been married twice, each relationship intertwining with her professional journey. Her first husband was Hugo van Lawick, whom she married on March 28, 1964, in London.
Van Lawick, a baron in the Netherlands, was a talented wildlife photographer sent by National Geographic to document Goodall’s work in Gombe.
Their collaboration produced iconic footage and images, including the 1965 television special Miss Goodall and the Wild Chimpanzees, narrated by Orson Welles.
During their marriage, Goodall was sometimes referred to as Baroness Jane van Lawick-Goodall. The couple had their son, Grub, in 1967, but their marriage ended in divorce in 1974, largely due to the strains of their demanding careers and time apart.
Goodall’s second husband was Derek Bryceson, whom she married in 1975. Bryceson was a significant figure in Tanzania, serving as the director of the country’s national parks and a member of parliament.
Their relationship was deeply rooted in their shared commitment to conservation. Bryceson played a key role in elevating Gombe Stream from a game reserve to a national park, ensuring greater protection for the chimpanzees Goodall studied.
Tragically, their marriage was cut short when Bryceson died of cancer in 1980. Since then, Goodall has not remarried, focusing her energy on her work and global advocacy.
Jane Goodall’s Accomplishments
Jane Goodall’s accomplishments are vast and multifaceted, spanning scientific discovery, conservation, education, and humanitarian efforts. Here are some of her most notable achievements:
Revolutionary Chimpanzee Research: Goodall’s 60-year study of wild chimpanzees in Gombe is the longest continuous field study of any animal species. Her observations of tool use, hunting, and complex social interactions redefined scientific understanding of primates and their similarities to humans. Her work laid the foundation for modern primatology and influenced countless researchers who followed in her footsteps.
Founding the Jane Goodall Institute: Established in 1977, the JGI has become a global leader in wildlife conservation, focusing not only on chimpanzees but also on community-centered approaches to protect habitats. Programs like the Tchimpounga Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Center in the Republic of Congo provide sanctuary for orphaned chimpanzees, while initiatives like TACARE (Lake Tanganyika Catchment Reforestation and Education) address poverty and environmental degradation in tandem.
Roots & Shoots Program: Launched in 1991 with a group of Tanzanian students, Roots & Shoots has grown into a worldwide movement, engaging nearly 1.5 million young people in conservation and humanitarian projects.
The program reflects Goodall’s belief in the power of youth to effect change, fostering a generation of compassionate leaders.
Authorship and Public Education: Goodall has authored numerous books, including In the Shadow of Man (1971), The Chimpanzees of Gombe (1986), and Reason for Hope (1999), which blend scientific insight with personal reflection. Her writing, along with documentaries like Jane (2017), has brought her discoveries to millions, raising awareness about chimpanzees and environmental issues.
Advocacy and Honors: Named a United Nations Messenger of Peace in 2002 by Kofi Annan, Goodall has used her platform to address global challenges like climate change, wildlife trafficking, and animal welfare. She has received prestigious awards, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2024, the Benjamin Franklin Medal in Life Science, and the title of Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) in 2003.
Trailblazing for Women in Science: When Goodall began her work, primatology was a male-dominated field, and women were rarely accepted as serious researchers. Her success paved the way for other women, such as Dian Fossey and Biruté Galdikas, and today, women lead many long-term primate studies worldwide.
Dr. Jane Goodall Early Years and Path to Gombe
Jane Goodall’s journey began in London, where she was born Valerie Jane Morris-Goodall to Mortimer Herbert Morris-Goodall, a businessman, and Margaret Myfanwe Joseph, a novelist known as Vanne.
Her fascination with animals emerged early, sparked by a stuffed chimpanzee toy named Jubilee, given to her by her father when she was two.
This toy, which still sits on her dresser, symbolizes the beginning of a lifelong love affair with chimpanzees.
Growing up in Bournemouth after her parents’ divorce, Goodall was an avid reader of animal stories like Tarzan and The Jungle Book.
Unable to afford university, she worked as a secretary and waitress, saving money to fulfill her dream of traveling to Africa.
In 1957, at 23, she visited a friend’s farm in Kenya, where she met Louis Leakey, a renowned anthropologist.
Leakey saw her potential and sent her to Gombe in 1960, accompanied by her mother due to safety concerns from local authorities. This marked the start of her transformative career.
Legacy and Continuing Impact
Jane Goodall’s legacy is one of hope, resilience, and action. Her work has not only deepened our understanding of chimpanzees but also highlighted the interconnectedness of humans, animals, and the environment.
She has faced personal challenges—divorces, the loss of her second husband, and the physical demands of fieldwork—yet her optimism endures.
In her own words, “Every single day that we live, we make some impact on the planet. We have a choice as to what kind of impact that is.”
At 90, Goodall remains a global force, speaking out against climate change, advocating for sustainable living, and inspiring millions through her Hopecast podcast and public appearances. Her life is a testament to the power of curiosity, perseverance, and compassion