Jane Goodall, the world-renowned chimpanzee expert whose life’s work was featured in over 40 films and documentaries, has passed away.
At 91, Goodall left behind a global legacy, and among those deeply moved by her impact is actor and environmental advocate Leonardo DiCaprio. He recently shared a moving tribute and his final message to the pioneering scientist.
A Trailblazer in a Man’s World
The global community is grieving the death of Jane Goodall, a groundbreaking primatologist whose research forever reshaped how we understand animals and nature. Goodall died on October 1, 2025, during a speaking engagement in California, according to the Jane Goodall Institute.
Her name became a symbol of empathy toward wildlife and relentless commitment to conservation. In 1960, she made headlines as a young woman traveling from the UK to what is now Tanzania to study wild chimpanzees—an audacious step in a field then dominated by men.
In an interview with People, she recounted one of her early discoveries: watching chimpanzees use tools—“a blade of grass to extract termites, and twigs they stripped of leaves.” This observation overturned the long-held belief that only humans used tools.
Despite never completing a bachelor’s degree, her passion led her to earn a Ph.D. in ethology from Cambridge in 1962. She went on to establish the Jane Goodall Institute in 1977, author books, and spend more than 60 years advocating for animal rights, habitat protection, and ecological awareness.
She was appointed a UN Messenger of Peace, a title she shared with Leonardo DiCaprio. Following her death, the Academy Award-winning actor posted a heartfelt message to honor his longtime friend and collaborator.
DiCaprio’s Tribute: “You Are My Hero”
“Jane Goodall dedicated her life to defending our planet and giving a voice to wildlife and the ecosystems they rely on,” DiCaprio shared on Instagram.
“Her research in Tanzania revolutionized how we see our closest relatives—not just in behavior, but in emotion, thought, and social connection. She reminded us that we are part of a much greater family, tied to every living thing.”
He continued:
“For years, Jane traveled the globe with unwavering passion, inspiring generations to reconnect with nature. She spoke directly to young people, offering a message of hope and the belief that every person can make a difference. She moved millions to care—and to act. She never gave up. My sincerest sympathies go out to her loved ones.”
DiCaprio also urged his followers to carry on her work:
“Support the Jane Goodall Institute and other environmental efforts. My final words to Jane were simple: ‘You are my hero.’ Now it’s our turn to continue her mission and protect our shared planet.”
A Legacy Beyond Science
Jane Goodall’s influence reached far beyond biology or academia. She appeared in over 40 nature documentaries, bringing her findings and insights to global audiences. Most recently, she worked alongside DiCaprio on Howl, a live-action feature telling the story of survival from the point of view of a dog and a wolf.
Cause of Death
While it’s unknown if Goodall had any terminal conditions, she did live with prosopagnosia—a condition that makes facial recognition difficult. According to the Jane Goodall Institute, she died of natural causes.
