Dear Be Love Radio,
On October 1, 2025, the world lost an extraordinary person: Dr. Jane Goodall, DBE, founder of the Jane Goodall Institute and UN Messenger of Peace. Jane passed away in her sleep from natural causes. She was in California for a speaking tour, doing what she felt most compelled to do — spreading her message of hope.
Jane’s life changed the world. With courage and curiosity, she transformed science, revealing the intelligence and emotions of chimpanzees, and forever deepening our understanding of our closest living relatives. Through her pioneering research, Jane helped humanity recognize our place in the natural world and the responsibility we share to protect it.
Beyond her discoveries, Jane embodied compassion, kindness, and love. She possessed a lively sense of humor, a genuine compassion for others, and an unwavering commitment to all living beings. She raised global awareness with eloquence and urgency, inspiring and activating millions to save chimpanzees and countless other species from extinction.
Jane’s impact stretched far beyond science and conservation. She touched lives everywhere, reminding us that each and every individual can make a difference. Through her tireless advocacy, she lit sparks of hope across generations and across the globe.
As we grieve her passing, we also celebrate the life she lived and the ongoing movement she created. Jane’s light continues to shine. At the Jane Goodall Institute USA, we remain steadfast in carrying her mission forward: a science-driven approach to protecting nature, rooted in compassion and guiding people to live sustainably and in harmony with one another.
We know many of you hold your own memories of Jane — hearing her speak at a lecture, reading her books, or simply feeling moved by her voice and vision. Please join others from around the world in honoring Jane’s life and vision by sharing your message of remembrance.
If you feel moved by Jane and her life’s work, you can join us in carrying her legacy forward through our work at JGI USA.
We thank you for standing with Jane and with us. Together, we carry her light into the future.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Anna Rathmann
Executive Director
Jane Goodall Institute USA
@zlouma Zlousic / JGI
Jane Goodall Institute USA
1120 20th St. NW #520s, Washington, DC 20036 | (703) 682-9220