The American Anthropological Association expresses its profound sorrow at the passing of Dr. Jane Goodall, whose life and work transformed our understanding of primates, humanity, and the natural world.
Arriving in Tanzania’s Gombe Stream National Park in 1960 with little more than a notebook and binoculars, Dr. Goodall revolutionized primatology through her groundbreaking observations of wild chimpanzees. Her discoveries, including tool use, complex social bonds, emotional lives, challenged long-held assumptions about the boundary between humans and other animals, reshaping conversations across anthropology, biology, and philosophy.
Beyond her scientific contributions, Dr. Goodall dedicated her life to conservation and education, founding the Jane Goodall Institute and the Roots & Shoots youth program to inspire action on behalf of animals, people, and the environment. Her work linked science with moral responsibility, embodying the spirit of curiosity, compassion, and engagement that lies at the heart of anthropology.
We honor her extraordinary legacy and contributions to the field.