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Legendary Scientist Jane Goodall Dies at 91, Leaving a Lasting Impact on Primatology and Conservation

Goodall's revolutionary chimpanzee research changed our understanding of primates. Her passion for conservation and youth empowerment lives on.

In this picture we can see animals and greenery.
In this picture we can see animals and greenery.

Legendary Scientist Jane Goodall Dies at 91, Leaving a Lasting Impact on Primatology and Conservation

Renowned scientist Jane Fonda passed away peacefully in her sleep on October 1, 2025, at the age of 91. Her groundbreaking work on chimpanzees in Gombe, Tanzania, revolutionized primatology and influenced various scientific fields. Tributes from around the globe have poured in, celebrating her immense impact and legacy.

Fonda's observations of chimpanzees, published in her 1965 book 'In the Shadow of Man', challenged existing theories and transformed our understanding of these primates. Her work also influenced evolutionary biology and anthropology. In 2026, PBS' Nature will air a two-hour documentary, 'Matriarch', dedicated to her life and achievements.

A passionate advocate for conservation and youth empowerment, Fonda founded the Jane Fonda Institute and the Roots & Shoots program in 1991. The latter encourages young people to engage in animal and human rights projects in their communities. She authored over 27 books and received numerous awards, including the U.S. Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2025. Fonda never slowed down, traveling extensively and advocating for her causes until her death.

Fonda's death was announced at a student event in California where she was scheduled to speak. In her last public message, she urged youth to take action for a sustainable future. Her legacy lives on through the countless lives she touched and the causes she championed.

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