The world is mourning the loss of Dr. Jane Goodall — a woman whose name became synonymous with compassion, curiosity, and conservation. The pioneering primatologist and ethologist, who forever changed how humanity understands the natural world, passed away at the age of 91. The Jane Goodall Institute confirmed that she died peacefully on October 2, 2025, in California, where she had been traveling for a speaking tour. Her passing marks the end of an era for wildlife conservation, yet her legacy will continue to inspire generations.
Dr. Goodall’s personal life was just as rich and meaningful as her professional one. In 1964, she married Baron Hugo van Lawick, a Dutch nobleman and acclaimed wildlife photographer who worked with National Geographic. Their wedding took place at Chelsea Old Church in London, and for the next decade, the couple shared not only a marriage but a deep partnership rooted in their mutual love for nature and wildlife. Together, they welcomed a son, Hugo Eric Louis, in 1967. During their years in Tanzania, the two worked closely — her observing chimpanzees at Gombe Stream National Park and him documenting the wonders of the wild through his lens.
Despite their shared purpose, their marriage ended in divorce in 1974. Jane later reflected that while their lives had taken different paths, she remained grateful for the years they shared and the son they raised.
Just a year later, in 1975, Jane found love again with Derek Bryceson, a Tanzanian parliament member and the director of the country’s national parks. Their relationship was a powerful union of hearts and shared ideals. Derek became a strong pillar of support for Jane’s research — even enacting measures to protect Gombe Stream National Park from tourism and external interference. Sadly, their time together was short-lived. Derek passed away from cancer in 1980. Speaking years later about why she never remarried, Jane said tenderly, “I didn’t want to. I didn’t meet the right person, I suppose. My life was complete. I didn’t need a husband.”
Jane Goodall’s only child, Hugo Eric Louis, lovingly nicknamed “Grub,” was born during her first marriage to Baron van Lawick. He spent much of his early life surrounded by the breathtaking landscapes of Tanzania, close to the very wilderness that shaped his mother’s life’s work. Although Jane always kept her son’s life private, she spoke often about how deeply she valued family, balancing her role as a mother with her lifelong devotion to animal research and advocacy.
Born in London in 1934, Jane Goodall’s fascination with animals began in childhood — inspired by stories like Tarzan and Dr. Dolittle. In 1960, she embarked on what would become one of the most influential research projects in scientific history: the study of wild chimpanzees in Gombe Stream National Park, Tanzania. Her discoveries — from chimpanzees using tools to their emotional depth and social bonds — redefined how science perceives the connection between humans and other species.
Dr. Goodall’s work gave voice to the voiceless and encouraged millions to act for the planet. Even into her 90s, she continued to travel, speak, and advocate for environmental sustainability. Though she is no longer with us, her words — “What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make” — will continue to echo through the hearts of everyone she inspired.