Dame Jane Goodall, the world-renowned primatologist, anthropologist, and conservationist, passed away on October 1, 2025, at the age of 91 while on a speaking tour in California. Known for her groundbreaking research on chimpanzees and tireless advocacy for wildlife conservation, Goodall also had a rich personal life. She was married twice, and her family played an important role in her extraordinary journey.
First Husband: Baron Hugo van Lawick
In 1964, Jane Goodall married Dutch nobleman and wildlife photographer Baron Hugo van Lawick. The couple met in Tanzania, where van Lawick was sent by National Geographic to document Goodall’s pioneering research on chimpanzees. Their shared passion for wildlife and conservation led to a deep connection.
Together, they had a son, Hugo Eric Louis van Lawick, born in 1967 and affectionately nicknamed “Grub.” Despite their strong bond, the couple divorced in 1974 after ten years of marriage. Goodall later reflected on the challenges of balancing her demanding research with family life.
Second Husband: Derek Bryceson
A year after her divorce from van Lawick, Goodall married Derek Bryceson, a Tanzanian parks director and member of the national assembly. Bryceson played a key role in supporting Goodall’s research by helping protect Gombe Stream National Park from tourism and other threats.
Their marriage was marked by mutual respect and shared dedication to conservation. Tragically, Bryceson passed away from cancer in 1980, leaving Goodall widowed. She later described his death as “the end” of a significant chapter in her life.
Family Life and Legacy
Throughout her marriages, Goodall maintained a strong focus on her scientific endeavors. Her son, Hugo Eric Louis, grew up with a deep appreciation for wildlife and conservation, influenced by his mother’s pioneering work. Goodall’s personal experiences with family and loss also informed her understanding of chimpanzee behavior, particularly in terms of maternal bonds and social structures.
Today, Goodall’s legacy continues through the Jane Goodall Institute and the Roots & Shoots program, both of which promote conservation and animal welfare. Her family life, marked by love, loss, and dedication, remains an integral part of her story as a trailblazer in the field of primatology.
