Nearly a year after the death of renowned primatologist Dr. Jane Goodall, the institute she founded continues to promote her legacy of wildlife conservation and environmental awareness. Goodall, who passed away last October at the age of 91, was celebrated for her groundbreaking research into chimpanzee behavior near Lake Tanganyika, in present-day Tanzania, where she revealed that chimpanzees are omnivorous, use tools, and exhibit individual personalities and emotional depth.
The Jane Goodall Institute, established in 1977 shortly after her return from Africa, maintains her work through its Gombe Stream Research Centre and a range of conservation and community-based projects worldwide. Among these initiatives is the global youth programme Roots & Shoots, which encourages young people to take action toward improving environmental and social conditions.
Supporters, including actor Peter Egan, who has been involved with the institute’s youth programme since 2017, emphasize the continued importance of Goodall’s message amid ongoing planetary degradation. Egan, who met Goodall on several occasions, described her as an “extraordinary” figure whose ability to connect humans with wildlife has reshaped scientific and public perceptions of animals. He highlighted her approach of naming individual chimpanzees rather than treating them as mere subjects, underscoring her view that these animals share close family bonds and sophisticated behaviors similar to those of early humans.
Mary Lewis, vice president of the Jane Goodall Institute and Goodall’s former assistant, said Goodall’s dedication to conservation inspired generations to believe they could make a positive difference. Lewis, who worked alongside Goodall for over 30 years, described her as “dynamic, energetic and a visionary.” She noted that from humble beginnings in small gatherings, Goodall’s talks eventually drew audiences of thousands worldwide, reflecting the growing impact of her work.
Despite challenges such as funding constraints, security concerns, and restrictive government policies in certain regions, the institute remains committed to advancing Goodall’s mission. Lewis highlighted ongoing organizational efforts, including regular virtual meetings and an upcoming global conference in October aimed at coordinating strategies across international branches of the institute.
The collective sentiment among Goodall’s colleagues and supporters is one of perseverance, echoing the late primatologist’s own determination. “We can, we will and we must change the world,” Lewis said, quoting a phrase often used by Goodall herself, as the institute continues to build on the foundation she established in primate research, conservation, and environmental education.