Dr. Jane Goodall passed away at the age of 91 earlier this week – and the internet has been flooded with loving tributes for the famed primatologist and conservationist.
A statement from the Jane Goodall Institute on social media confirmed the sad news:
“The Jane Goodall Institute has learned this morning, Wednesday, October 1, 2025, that Dr. Jane Goodall DBE, UN Messenger of Peace and Founder of the Jane Goodall Institute has passed away due to natural causes. She was in California as part of her speaking tour in the United States. Dr. Goodall’s discoveries as an ethologist revolutionised science, and she was a tireless advocate for the protection and restoration of our natural world.”
Among those sharing their love for Dr. Goodall was actor and environmentalist Leonardo DiCaprio who described her as a “hero”:
“Today we have lost a true hero for the planet, an inspiration to millions, and a dear friend. Jane Goodall devoted her life to protecting our planet and giving a voice to the wild animals and the ecosystems they inhabit. Her groundbreaking research on Chimpanzees in Tanzania transformed our understanding of how our closest relatives live, socialise and think – reminding us that we are deeply connected not only to Chimpanzees and the other great apes, but to all life.”
He added, “For decades, Jane travelled the world with tireless energy, awakening generations to the wonder of the natural world. She spoke directly to the next generation, instilling hope, responsibility, and the belief that every individual can make a difference. She inspired millions to care, to act, and to hope. She never stopped.”
On Instagram, Natalie Portman said Dr. Goodall taught us all so much:
“Jane Goodall was my ultimate hero – as a scientist breaking new ground, as a woman breaking all expectations, and as a fierce voice for animals and our planet. I am heartbroken that she is no longer with us, but her life’s work endures and inspires me to treasure what our mothers gave us, and what Mother Earth gives us, to be wild and not be limited by anyone’s expectations, to be patient and observe carefully as a religion, and to love deeply madly and ferociously our fellow beings on this planet.”
Alyssa Milano said she was heartbroken to hear of Dr. Goodall’s passing: “She has always been one of my heroes – her grace, wisdom, and fierce love for our planet shaped so much of how I see the world. I’m so grateful I got to spend time with her. Her spirit will live on in every tree, every river, every person she inspired.”
Hey there bestie – sign up to our FREE Newsletter for more kind, no-gossip celebrity news!
Humanitarian Chef Jose Andres posted, “My friend Jane Goodall was the wisest and most compassionate person I’ve ever met. She could make anybody feel hopeful about the future, no matter the hardships of the present. Just this weekend she wrote to let me know she was thinking about what she could do to alleviate all the suffering in Gaza , in Ukraine, in Sudan and beyond. She as my hero, my inspiration. I will miss her every single day.”
Prince William shared a message in his Instagram stories which said, “The world has lost an extraordinary voice with the passing of Dame Jane Goodall. Her boundless curiosity, compassion and pioneering spirit transformed our understanding of the natural world. She challenged us all to make a difference and inspired me and countless others to work to protect our planet. Jane Goodall made a difference.”
Kerry Washington posted, “thank you for teaching us that caring for the earth begins with love.”
Marisa Tomei said she’s “in awe of Jane Goodall’s life and legacy. She taught us to listen, to protect, to honour all living things, her light will never fade.”
Jimmy Fallon shared that “Jane was an incredible scientist, conservationist, humanitarian, friend and role model to so many.”
And Paul McCartney said “she was a true heroine to all fellow animal rights activists and a wonderful example to us all. Her lifelong work with various animals made her a shining star, and we are all deeply grateful for the isnpiration she gave us. Rest in peace, Jane.”
Dr. Goodall was 26 when she first travelled to Tanzania to study chimpanzees, discovering just how much “like us” they are. Since then, she has not stopped using her platform to educate the world about wildlife, environmental and climate issues, and is widely regarded as having paved a path for countless women in STEM along the way.
Before news of her passing Dr. Goodall was scheduled to meet with students and teachers in Los Angeles to help plant 5,000 trees in wildfire burn zones – the first treee was planted in Dr. Goodall’s name.
(Feature Image Credit: Jane Goodall with Natalie Portman; Instagram)
