It was with great sorrow that the Cleveland Museum of Natural History learned of the passing of Dr. Jane Goodall at age 91 on Wednesday, October 1, 2025.
A renowned ethologist, animal behavior expert, and one of the most influential scientists and conservationists of our time, Dr. Goodall’s groundbreaking work in Gombe National Park, Tanzania, changed the way we understand chimpanzees, revealing their use of tools, rich emotional lives, and complex social bonds. She pioneered the longest-running wild chimpanzee study—one that continues to this day—and revolutionized the field of primatology. Her discoveries challenged the boundaries once thought to separate humans from the animal world, inspiring both scientists and the public to see our kinship with nature in a new light.
From her earliest days in Tanzania, Dr. Goodall proved that observation, curiosity, and a profound respect for nature could deepen our understanding of the world and our place within it. And as a woman entering science in the 1960s, she broke through barriers and paved the way for generations of women to pursue their own scientific callings.
Dr. Goodall’s legacy extends far beyond her research. Through the Jane Goodall Institute and her Roots & Shoots program, she built a global movement for conservation, education, and hope. She was a tireless advocate, travelling up to 300 days per year to inspire compassion, hope, and curiosity in countless people and motivating them to make a difference for our world.
The Museum is fortunate to have welcomed Dr. Goodall on multiple occasions. During her most recent visit on April 18, 1997, the Museum presented her with the David S. Ingalls, Jr. Award for Excellence in honor of her major contributions to the international scientific community.
Below is a video of her acceptance speech presented that evening—a speech that tells Jane Goodall's story in her own compelling words, and whose powerful message remains relevant nearly three decades later.
Jane's words and life remind us that protecting our planet begins with the choices we make each day—and that every person has a role in creating a more sustainable future. Read more of her story in the Jane Goodall Institute’s press release.
See Jane Goodall - Reasons for Hope
In remembrance of Dr. Jane Goodall's extraordinary life, the Cleveland Museum of Natural History is bringing back her inspiring film, Jane Goodall - Reasons for Hope, for a limited time now through November 14. Drawing on decades of work by the world’s most famous ethologist and environmentalist, Jane Goodall - Reasons for Hope, is an uplifting journey around the globe to highlight good news stories that will inspire people to make a difference in the world around them. Learn more and reserve tickets online.
