Photo: Vincent Calmel
The world lost a towering figure for animals and the planet with the passing of Dr. Jane Goodall, DBE, UN Messenger of Peace, and founder of the Jane Goodall Institute. Her groundbreaking research and tireless advocacy forever changed the way we understand animals—and the way we see ourselves.
Dr. Goodall’s pioneering studies of chimpanzees revealed their intelligence, emotion, and rich social lives, challenging long-held assumptions about the boundary between humans and other animals and recognizing that compassion and respect must extend to all beings.
Dr. Jane Goodall’s groundbreaking work didn’t just teach us about chimpanzees; it fundamentally shifted our understanding of animals. Her insights as an ethologist and a conservationist have inspired generations of scientists, activists, and everyday people to recognize that animals are not ‘other’; they are individuals with inherent dignity. We are heartbroken by this loss. Dr. Goodall’s moral clarity and call to action are a permanent, powerful force driving the mission of Mercy For Animals.
—Leah Garcés, president and CEO of Mercy For Animals
Her influence stretched far beyond the forests of Gombe. She became a global leader for conservation, climate action, and animal protection—reminding the world that hope is a powerful force for change. She established the Jane Goodall Institute, which today supports community-led conservation across Africa, protects endangered great apes and their habitats, and empowers young people worldwide through initiatives like the Roots & Shoots program she founded in 1991.
Dr. Goodall passed away during a speaking tour, using her voice to champion animals, people, and the planet up to her last moments.
Mercy For Animals was honored to celebrate Dr. Goodall’s life and wisdom, including presenting her with our Hope Award in 2021 and collaborating with the Jane Goodall Institute on the film Voices of Hope: Words of Wisdom by Dr. Jane Goodall for her 90th birthday. These moments reflected our deep admiration for her unwavering commitment to compassion and justice.
Dr. Goodall’s achievements also include authoring more than 30 books for adults and children, receiving countless international honors, and inspiring conservation projects around the globe. Among her many accolades are the Kyoto Prize, the Templeton Prize, and the Gandhi–King Award for Nonviolence. Time magazine also named her one of the 100 most influential people in the world.
Her legacy reminds us that science and empathy are inseparable—and that each of us has the power to build a kinder world.
Mercy For Animals extends heartfelt condolences to Dr. Goodall’s family, the Jane Goodall Institute, Roots & Shoots, and the global community she inspired. Her voice will continue to guide us toward hope, courage, and action.
