Jane Goodall, the world’s foremost expert on chimpanzees whose work was captured in more than 40 documentaries, has died.
Following her passing at 91, the world is celebrating Jane Goodall’s extraordinary life — and one person profoundly inspired by the legendary activist is Leonardo DiCaprio.
The actor has now shared his heartfelt final words about the legendary anthropologist.
A young woman in a male-dominated world
The world is mourning the loss of Jane Goodall, the pioneering primatologist whose groundbreaking work on chimpanzees transformed our understanding of the natural world. Goodall, 91, passed away on October 1, 2025, while on a speaking tour in California, the Jane Goodall Institute confirmed.
Goodall’s name became synonymous with compassion for wildlife and tireless conservation. She first captured global attention in 1960 when she traveled from England to what is now Tanzania to study chimpanzees in the wild — a bold move for a young woman in a male-dominated field.
She recalled to People how she observed chimpanzees using tools: “Using a piece of grass as a tool to fish for termites, then picking leafy twigs and stripping the leaves.” Until then, tool use was thought to be uniquely human.
Her love for animals and drive to make a difference led her to earn a Ph.D. in ethology from Cambridge in 1962, despite not having a bachelor’s degree. She founded the Jane Goodall Institute in 1977, authored numerous books, and spent more than six decades advocating for animal welfare, conservation, and environmental stewardship.
“I’m desperate to make a difference before it’s too late,” she told Parade in 2020.
“We can just give up, or we can say, ‘We’ve done a lot of harm to the environment, but we’re going to fight for what’s left.’”
Goodall’s contributions earned her recognition as a UN Messenger of Peace, a title she shared with Leonardo DiCaprio. Following her passing, the Oscar-winning actor shared a heartfelt tribute to his longtime friend and collaborator.
Leonardo DiCaprio’s last words to her
“Jane Goodall devoted her life to protecting our planet and giving a voice to the wild animals and the ecosystems they inhabit,” DiCaprio wrote on Instagram.
“Her groundbreaking research on chimpanzees in Tanzania transformed our understanding of how our closest relatives live, socialize, and think—reminding us that we are deeply connected not only to chimpanzees and the other great apes, but to all life.”
He continued, “For decades, Jane traveled 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. My deepest condolences to her family.”
DiCaprio invited his followers to honor Goodall’s legacy: “Join me in supporting the Jane Goodall Institute and other conservation groups. My last message to Jane was simple: ‘You are my hero.’ Now, we all must carry the torch for her in protecting our one shared home.”
Goodall’s influence extended far beyond science. She appeared in more than 40 documentaries, sharing her discoveries and insights with the world, and most recently collaborated with DiCaprio on Howl, a live-action film exploring the survival journey of a dog and a wolf from the animals’ perspective.
What was Jane Goodall’s cause of death?
It is unclear whether Jane Goodall suffered from any life-threatening illnesses, but we know that she had prosopagnosia, which made it difficult for her to recognize familiar faces.
She passed away due to natural causes, the Jane Goodall Institute confirmed on Instagram.
Jane’s journey — from a young girl inspired by a love of animals to a trailblazing anthropologist and global environmental icon — leaves a lasting legacy that will continue to inspire generations to come.
She is survived by her son, Hugo Eric Louis van Lawick, and three grandchildren.
