World-renowned zoologist and chimpanzee conservationist Jane Goodall died in her sleep on October 1, at the age of 91, while on a speaking tour in California.

Goodall’s name is synonymous with wildlife conservation. She was a passionate advocate for animal rights and encouraged a harmonious relationship between people and animals. She was especially fond of chimpanzees and could even greet them in their language.

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Over the course of her career, Goodall received numerous awards for her profound work. In 2002, she was named a United Nations Messenger of Peace, and in 2004, she was made a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire at Buckingham Palace.

Her other accolades include the United States Presidential Medal of Freedom, the French Légion d’honneur, the Benjamin Franklin Medal in Life Science, Japan’s prestigious Kyoto Prize, the Gandhi-King Award for Nonviolence, the Medal of Tanzania and the Tyler Prize for Environmental Achievement.

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Goodall founded the Jane Goodall Institute and oversaw Chimp Eden, a sanctuary in the Umhloti Nature Reserve near Barberton, dedicated to caring for rescued chimpanzees.

She had a deep connection with the Lowveld and believed its natural beauty and biodiversity made it a place of healing.

She often said the land had ‘a spirit of restoration’ – a spirit still felt daily at Chimp Eden.

Goodall loved visiting the Lowveld and often gave talks in Skukuza and at the University of Mpumalanga, and was the keynote speaker at a gala dinner for the Greater Riverside Biodiversity Initiative last year.

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Gary Deiner, executive officer of the Jane Goodall Institute South Africa, worked closely with her for two years.

“We collaborated on many aspects of the sanctuary’s development and daily operations,” Deiner said.

He recalled one of his favourite memories from a conference they attended together in the Netherlands:

“As I stood on the edge of the dinner floor, she walked across the room, took me gently by the hand and invited me to sit next to her at the table. That simple gesture spoke volumes about her warmth, humility and inclusiveness – something I will never forget.”

Deiner added that the Institute plans to honour Goodall’s legacy by expanding its educational outreach through the Roots & Shoots programme, a youth-led initiative that inspires the next generation of wildlife advocates.

“We are excited to announce plans for the creation of the Jane Goodall Education Centre at Chimp Eden. This inspiring new space will honour Dr Goodall’s extraordinary legacy and lifelong dedication to conservation, while also sharing the remarkable stories of the rescued chimpanzees who now call Chimp Eden home,” he said.

To make this dream a reality, he appealed to the public for support, whether through financial contributions, donated materials or volunteer labour.

“We are currently in the process of planning a memorial service that will reflect Jane’s values and celebrate her life,” Deiner added.

He confirmed that details will be shared once arrangements are finalised.