Jane Goodall Passes at 91 — Final Public Appearance Turns Into Tribute
October 1, 2025 — Pasadena, California
What began as a hopeful gathering for Dr. Jane Goodall abruptly transformed into an emotional tribute. Today, news broke that the renowned primatologist and conservationist has died at the age of 91, reportedly of natural causes. She had been scheduled to speak in Pasadena as part of a broader U.S. speaking tour.
Anchors Colleen Sullivan and Marc Cota‑Robles broke the news on live television, describing Goodall as “best known for her groundbreaking work on chimpanzees” and as a tireless advocate for the natural world.
A Gathering Turns to Remembrance
The crowd of students, educators, and community leaders gathered to plant trees as part of a youth initiative called TREES (Trees and Dreams)—a project aimed at planting 5,000 trees in the coming years. Instead, they found themselves in the shadow of a different purpose: celebrating and mourning the life of a global icon.
One student shared:
“I cried. I wanted to meet her my whole life… She’s always been a hero.”
As attendees waited in the auditorium for her to arrive, word arrived that she had passed. Organizers and guests shifted from expectation to grief, but also to gratitude.
A Legacy of Science, Compassion, and Hope
Dr. Goodall first traveled to Africa at age 26 and made transformational discoveries: showing chimpanzees make and use tools, exhibit distinct personalities, and share behaviors once thought uniquely human. Her work blurred the line between humans and other primates, reshaping biology, anthropology, and environmental ethics.
Although she lacked formal scientific credentials at the start, her unwavering dedication and respectful approach won her global respect and influence. She later founded the Jane Goodall Institute, served as a UN Messenger of Peace, and pioneered youth programs that have educated millions.
Despite her advanced age, Goodall remained active until the end. She had spoken publicly just days ago, including participation in a Wall Street Journal podcast on September 26. Her scheduled appearance in Washington, D.C., on October 7 was also still on her public calendar.
Reflections from Pasadena
As the news filtered through the crowd, many attendees expressed shock. For them, the event was meant to be a celebration of her work, not her passing:
“We were really going to meet her… We were about to see her… it was really sad.”
Still, organizers and participants found solace in Goodall’s guiding philosophy. As one student recalled her voice:
“Don’t worry about it. Just plant the tree.”
In that moment, the project’s mission — growing life, nurturing hope — became in itself a tribute.
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