In 1960, Dr. Jane Goodall’s early fieldwork observing chimpanzees at Gombe Stream Game Reserve, in Tanganyika (now Tanzania), unveiled groundbreaking research of shared behaviors between humans and apes. The Jane Goodall Institute announced on October 1, 2025, that Jane Goodall died at 91. A primatologist, conservationist, animal advocate, educator, and National Geographic Explorer, her work revolutionized our understanding of the natural world. | National Geographic Documentary Films

Jane Goodall, the conservationist renowned for her groundbreaking chimpanzee field research and globe-spanning environmental advocacy, has died. She was 91. The Jane Goodall Institute said Wednesday Goodall died of natural causes while in California on a U.S. speaking tour. The researcher and activist left a massive impact on the environmental science world. She advocated to protect and restore nature up until her death. | AP

Did you know Jane was only 26 years old when she went into Gombe, Tanzania to study wild chimpanzees? Find out more by watching the encore presentation of JANE today May 27 at noon, on Nat Geo Wild! Today, Jane travels the world, encouraging us all to make conscious efforts every day to improve well-being for people, animals and the environment through the Jane Goodall Institute. Follow her travels by checking #WheresJane on social and bit.ly/wheresjane for the latest in her schedule. | Dr. Jane