Primatologist Jane Goodall died of cardiopulmonary arrest, according to her death certificate, TMZ reported Monday.
The certificate also listed epilepsy as a condition, though it was not identified as a contributing factor.
Goodall, 91, died October 1 in California while on a speaking tour, according to the Jane Goodall Institute.
Why It Matters
Goodall’s death marked the end of an era in wildlife conservation and scientific discovery. Her research in Gombe National Park, Tanzania, fundamentally altered the world’s understanding of primate behavior and bridged new connections between conservation, animal welfare and global activism.
Goodall’s death concluded a remarkable chapter in environmental advocacy that inspired countless scientists and activists worldwide, and prompts reflection on the enduring significance of her work and its impact on generations to come.
What To Know
On the day Goodall died, she was scheduled to meet with students and teachers to launch the planting of 5,000 trees around wildfire burn zones in the Los Angeles area. Organizers learned of her death as the event was about to begin at EF Academy in Pasadena, spokesperson Shawna Marino told the Associated Press.
The first tree was planted in Goodall’s name after a moment of silence.
Politicians, celebrities and activists paid tribute to Goodall.
“Jill and I are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Jane Goodall whose activism, vision, and message of hope mobilized a global movement to protect the planet,” former President Joe Biden said on X. “Above all, Jane taught us that when we search for humanity in the natural world around us, we discover it within ourselves. We are sending our love and strength to the Goodall family and everyone who was touched by her remarkable life of service.”
Leonardo DiCaprio called Goodall “a true hero for the planet, an inspiration to millions, and a dear friend” in an Instagram post.
“For decades, Jane traveled the world with tireless energy, awakening generations to the wonder of the natural world,” DiCaprio wrote. “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.”
PETA founder Ingrid Newkirk said Goodall “was a gifted scientist and trailblazer who forever changed the way we view our fellow animals” in a statement.
What Did Jane Goodall Do? Her Global Impact
Goodall lived among chimpanzees in Africa and documented them doing activities previously believed to be exclusive to humans. Her observations and appearances in magazines and documentaries in the 1960s transformed how the world perceived these animals.
In Goodall’s later years, she focused on education and advocacy for humanitarian causes and protecting the natural world.
She traveled nearly 300 days a year, even after she turned 90, for public speeches.
Jane Goodall Documentary: How to Watch ‘Famous Last Words: Dr. Jane Goodall’
A new Netflix documentary series titled Famous Last Words will feature interviews with global cultural icons that are recorded with the understanding that they will only be released posthumously, the streaming service said.
The series begins with Goodall’s interview filmed earlier this year, which is now available to stream on Netflix.
What People Are Saying
Secretary-General of the United Nations António Guterres, on Instagram: “I’m deeply saddened to learn about the passing of Jane Goodall, our dear Messenger of Peace. She is leaving an extraordinary legacy for humanity and our planet. I’m grateful for her lifelong environmental protection efforts and her strong support for the @unitednations.”
Jane Fonda, on Instagram: “My heart breaks at the news that the brave, heartful, history-making Jane Goodall has passed. Through her work with chimps, she did more than any human being has, to let us understand the richness of animal lives: their intelligence, skills, unique personalities, use of tools, empathy, suffering when one of theirs was killed. I loved her very much. I think the best way we can honor her life is to treat the earth and all its beings like our family, with love and respect.”
This article includes reporting by the Associated Press.
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