Jane Goodall, the world-renowned British primatologist, anthropologist, and conservationist, passed away at the age of 91 on October 1, 2025, while on a speaking tour in California. Known for her groundbreaking research on chimpanzees and her tireless advocacy for environmental conservation, Goodall’s legacy continues to inspire generations worldwide.
Who Was Jane Goodall?
Born Valerie Jane Morris-Goodall on April 3, 1934, in London, England, Goodall’s love for animals began early. A stuffed chimpanzee toy named Jubilee, gifted by her father, sparked a fascination that would define her life. Without a college degree, she worked various jobs before traveling to Kenya in 1957 at age 23. There, she met anthropologist Louis Leakey, who saw her potential and sent her to study chimpanzees in Tanzania’s Gombe Stream National Park in 1960.
Goodall’s revolutionary approach—naming chimps and observing their emotions—revealed their tool-making and social behaviors, reshaping our understanding of primates. She earned a PhD from the University of Cambridge in 1966 and founded the Jane Goodall Institute (JGI) in 1977, now a global force for conservation. Her Roots & Shoots youth program, launched in 1991, empowers young people in 60+ countries. In 2025, she received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, cementing her status as a global icon.
Jane Goodall’s Net Worth in 2025
So, how much was Jane Goodall worth in 2025? According to reports, her net worth stood at an estimated $5 million. This figure reflects a lifetime of purposeful earnings rather than extravagant accumulation, aligning with her minimalist lifestyle and commitment to philanthropy.
Legacy Beyond Wealth
While Jane Goodall’s net worth is impressive, her true legacy extends far beyond monetary value. She revolutionized the understanding of chimpanzees, proving that they are capable of complex emotions, tool use, and social structures—insights that reshaped primatology and anthropology.
Through the Jane Goodall Institute and her Roots & Shoots program, she inspired young people globally to take action for environmental and humanitarian causes. Her advocacy has influenced policies, conservation efforts, and millions of individuals to care for the planet.