The world says goodbye to Jane Goodall: the lady of the chimpanzees who has revolutionized our gaze on the animal world died

“The minimum I can do is give a voice to all those who do not have the ability to speak to defend themselves.” With these words, the iconic ethologist and anthropologist Jane Goodall summarized his existence, a life dedicated to research, the protection of animals and the defense of nature. Today, however, unfortunately, we must remember her as a legend that is no longer among us: she died at 91 years of age, leaving a legacy that will continue to inspire and educate future generations.

When Jane Goodall arrived for the first time in Tanzania, in 1960, few would have imagined that that young woman, armed with a notebook and a boundless curiosity, who would have revolutionized our relationship with the natural world. With an incredible passion for nature and animals, Jane spent years between chimpanzees, documenting what nobody had ever observed before.

What he discovered was revolutionary: chimpanzees not only built nests on trees to sleep, but also used tools to get food, a capacity that until then was thought to be exclusively human. These observations sparked a storm in the scientific world, opening new horizons in understanding animal behavior and our own evolutionary past. His research changed forever the way in which science saw chimpanzees and, by reflected, our relationship with the rest of the living beings.

Despite the initial difficulties and the lack of a university title, Jane proved to be a very high level scientist, subsequently obtaining a doctorate in ethology at the University of Cambridge, thanks to the support of her mentor, Louis Leikey, who had entrusted her with that research that no one had ever had the courage to undertake. His work on chimpanzee behaviors became a milestone of biology and primatology, but also a symbol of dedication for the conservation and respect of animals. His discovery has broken cultural and scientific barriers.

A life dedicated to science and nature

But Jane did not stop in search. He created the Jane Goodall (JGI) Institute, a lighthouse of hope for the conservation of biodiversity, which today continues to work tirelessly to protect the dangerous species and the environment that hosts them. With the Roots & Shoots program, which involves children and young people in awareness -raising projects and concrete actions for the protection of the planet, Jane has planted the seeds of change in thousands of young hearts all over the world. He taught that every little action matters and that everyone, none excluded, can make a difference.

Jane Goodall was not only a scientist, but a champion of change. His clear and authoritative voice carried on a message of hope in times when environmental devastation seemed unstoppable. He was Ambassador of Peace of the United Nations and spoke to the hearts of people, teaching that our future is closely linked to the protection of living beings who live in this planet.

With his extraordinary ability to communicate, he has been able to tell stories of animals, of nature and men who, without her, would probably have remained in the shadows. And he did it with empathy, always ready to listen and learn, also from the creatures with which he shared his life.

A void that leaves a great light (and a precious inheritance)

Despite the difficulties, prejudices and the effort of field work, Jane Goodall has remained one of the most respected and admired voices in the field of science and activism. His message, which unites science, ethics and love for animals, has ranked the boundaries of universities and conferences, reaching millions of people all over the world.

Even today, after his death, his legacy continues to live in all those projects he has started and in all those young people who have been inspired by his work. Not only has he changed the world of primatology, but also educated a generation of activists to take care of our planet. In a world that seems increasingly far from nature, Jane Goodall leaves us with an indelible lesson: “Every little gesture matters.” His life and work are a constant reference to never give up in the struggle for a more just and sustainable world.

The world that Jane has imagined, a world where peace, justice and sustainability can thrive, is still possible, but requires our commitment. It is a call to action, a challenge to be better, to do more, to protect what surrounds us with the same love and the same care that she has always put in her work, until the last.

Have a nice trip, dear Jane! We will miss a lot.