The world of science and conservation paused as news broke of the passing of Jane Goodall at the age of 91. The pioneering primatologist, who died of natural causes in California while on a speaking tour, fundamentally revolutionized the understanding of humankind.
Her legacy extends far beyond her singular scientific achievement. In later decades, Dr. Goodall transformed into a global activist, traveling nearly 300 days a year to advocate for conservation and her message of hope. Her work championed the interconnectedness of all living things, inspiring generations to commit to environmental stewardship.
Dr. Jane Goodall’s Career That Redefined Humankind
The narrative of Dr. Goodall’s career begins not in an academic institution, but in the wilds of Tanzania’s Gombe Stream National Park in 1960. Working without a traditional scientific background, her methodology (patience, intimate observation and immersion in the environment) was revolutionary.
This approach led to her most seismic and famous discovery: the observation that chimpanzees not only used tools but also modified them for specific purposes. This single finding shattered long-held scientific notions and forced humanity to redefine its place in the animal kingdom, challenging the very definition of “man the toolmaker”.
Her groundbreaking research continued through unconventional methods, such as naming the chimpanzees rather than assigning them numbers, which was initially met with intense skepticism by the scientific establishment.
By the mid-1980s, her focus shifted dramatically from observation to urgent global activism. Witnessing the widespread devastation of habitats and the threat of extinction facing chimpanzees, she moved from the tranquil isolation of Gombe to a tireless existence of international advocacy.
She founded the Jane Goodall Institute (JGI) in 1977, dedicated to protecting chimpanzees, scaling up conservation efforts, and inspiring global change through programs like Roots & Shoots, ensuring her mission transcended the park boundaries to cover the entire planet.
Where to Stream Her Story
Dr. Goodall’s work was brought to the world through breathtaking documentaries and state-of-the-art communication platforms, including a notable appearance on the popular Call Her Daddy podcast in 2025, demonstrating her ability to bring her message to all generations.
- Jane (2017) | Available on Disney+ and Hulu.
This highly acclaimed feature documentary provides an intimate, deep look into her early life and groundbreaking research. The film is unique for its use of over 100 hours of previously unseen footage shot by National Geographic photojournalist Hugo van Lawick during her initial years in Gombe.
It is a stunning visual portrait of her revolutionary methodology and her relationship with the chimpanzees, revealing the wonder that led to her most important discoveries.
- Jane Goodall: The Hope (2020) | Available on Disney+.
Focusing less on the Gombe research and more on her crucial transition into global activism, The Hope chronicles Dr. Goodall’s founding of the Jane Goodall Institute and the Roots & Shoots program.
The documentary shows her journey from researcher to tireless environmental advocate, emphasizing her fight against the climate crisis and extinction. It demonstrates how she expanded her mission to protect the planet and how, even into her nineties, she continued to be an unwavering force for change.