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Saying goodbye to a conservation icon
Yesterday, October 1st, 2025, the world said farewell to Dame Jane Goodall, who passed away at the age of 91. Her loss has been felt deeply across the world, and here at The Great Projects. Dr Goodall was not only a pioneering scientist and conservationist but also a personal inspiration to us. Her work continues to shape the way we approach our own mission of protecting wildlife and supporting ethical conservation efforts.
A life that changed the conservation world
Born in London in 1934, Jane Goodall’s passion for animals was evident from an early age. That passion eventually led her to the forests of Gombe in Tanzania, where in 1960 she began her groundbreaking study of chimpanzees.
Her observations transformed the way we understand these remarkable apes and reshaped the field of science itself. She discovered that chimpanzees could use and create tools, a behaviour previously thought to be uniquely human. She documented their emotional depth, capturing moments of grief, joy, cooperation, and conflict.
Rather than assigning numbers to the chimpanzees she studied, Jane Goodall gave them names, emphasising their individuality and personality. Her research went far beyond scientific discovery; it was a profound call to reconsider our place in the natural world and to recognise the richness of life beyond humanity.
From researcher to advocate
Goodall’s role quickly grew beyond Gombe. In 1977, she founded the Jane Goodall Institute, which has become a global leader in conservation and animal welfare. Later, she launched Roots and Shoots, a youth programme that now spans nearly 100 countries and inspires young people to take action for animals, people, and the environment.
She travelled tirelessly, speaking to audiences around the world about the urgency of conservation and the power of hope. In recognition of her life’s work, she was awarded the US Presidential Medal of Freedom in January 2025, one of many honours that marked her extraordinary contributions.
Jane Goodall’s legacy
For us at The Great Projects, Jane Goodall’s influence extends far beyond inspirational quotes or scientific achievements. We are honoured to work alongside the Jane Goodall Institute South Africa, continuing her legacy at Chimp Eden.
Chimp Eden embodies Jane's values: compassion for rescued individuals, education for the public, and a safe space for chimpanzees who have suffered at the hands of exploitation or habitat loss. Every volunteer who joins us helps carry forward Jane’s vision of a world where animals are treated with dignity and respect.
Being part of this story is a privilege, and it enables us to actively contribute to her mission in a tangible and lasting way.
What Jane Goodall taught us
Jane Goodall’s life was full of lessons that continue to guide our work and inspire people around the world. She demonstrated that humanity and nature are deeply interconnected; we are not separate from the natural world, but part of it, and our actions have consequences for every living being. She believed that every individual matters and that each person has a role to play in protecting the planet.
Even in the face of daunting challenges like climate change and habitat loss, Jane remained hopeful, reminding us that small, consistent actions can ripple outward to create real change. She also placed immense faith in young people, encouraging them to lead and proving that one voice, no matter how young, can make a difference.
How we can honour her memory
The greatest way to celebrate Jane Goodall’s life is by living the values she championed. On Earth Day this year, she told us, "treat every day as Earth Day", which is a lesson we can all carry forward together.
Even the smallest acts can carry waves of change, planting a tree, creating space for wildlife in your garden or local community, or encouraging someone else to care more deeply about the natural world.
Her legacy also shines through in education, and by supporting initiatives like Roots and Shoots or simply sharing her message with others, you can help inspire positive change.
For some, honouring her memory may mean becoming directly involved in conservation work, helping to protect habitats and biodiversity, and supporting sanctuaries where rescued chimpanzees and other animals can live in safety.
A personal goodbye
Jane Goodall once said, “Every individual matters. Every individual has a role to play. Every individual makes a difference.”
At The Great Projects, we believe that wholeheartedly. She has inspired many areas of our work, particularly our focus on great ape conservation volunteering. Her dedication to protecting chimpanzees has strengthened our own commitment to safeguarding great apes around the world, and her influence continues to guide the way we approach conservation. One of our favourite photos of Jane (below) is her supporting the work of our other incredible partner, the Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation.
Jane Goodall’s passing is a great loss, but her message lives on in every ape rescued, every forest protected, and every person inspired to take action.
We are honoured to continue her legacy with the Jane Goodall Institute South Africa at Chimp Eden. In doing so, we hope to carry her vision into the future, one that works with the natural living world, not against it.
Rest peacefully, Dr Jane Goodall. Your legacy lives on.
