On October 1, 2025, the world lost one of its greatest voices for nature. Dr. Jane Goodall, who passed away at the age of 91, leaves behind a legacy that will echo for centuries in the forests she defended, in the lives of the animals she studied, and in the people she inspired across every continent.
At Costa Rica Species, Green Circle Experience, and People of Costa Rica, we join the global community in mourning this loss — and in celebrating the extraordinary life of a woman who dedicated every breath to understanding, protecting, and honoring the living world.
A Journey that Changed Science Forever
Born in London in 1934, Jane Goodall grew up with a deep fascination for animals. As a young woman, she set out for Africa, driven more by passion than by formal scientific training. In 1960, under the mentorship of Louis Leakey, she began her groundbreaking fieldwork in Gombe Stream National Park, Tanzania.
Her discoveries would forever change the way humanity sees itself. She revealed that chimpanzees — once thought to be wholly different from humans — are capable of using tools, expressing emotions, and forming complex social bonds. Her gentle yet determined observations redefined not only primatology but also our understanding of human nature itself.
From Science to Global Activism
As her career advanced, Dr. Goodall transformed from a scientist into a global advocate. In 1977, she founded the Jane Goodall Institute, dedicated to research, conservation, and community-centered programs. She later launched Roots & Shoots, a youth initiative that empowers young people around the world to take action for animals, people, and the environment.
Her message was always simple yet profound: each of us has a role to play in making the world a better place. She tirelessly traveled, spoke, and inspired action, even well into her later years. She reminded us that hope is not naïve — it is essential.
A Legacy of Hope and Responsibility
Jane Goodall’s voice transcended borders. She received countless honors and awards, but perhaps her greatest achievement was awakening millions of people to the urgency of conservation. For her, protecting chimpanzees was never just about one species — it was about safeguarding the delicate web of life on which we all depend.
Her philosophy was rooted in respect and humility: to listen, to observe, and to act with compassion. These values continue to guide conservation movements worldwide.
Her Light in Costa Rica
Here in Costa Rica, we feel her spirit deeply. Our country is home to one of the richest biodiversities on Earth, and her message resonates with the struggles and triumphs of our own conservation story.
At Costa Rica Species, we celebrate life by documenting every species and ecosystem. At Green Circle Experience, we welcome travelers to experience the country through sustainable and carbon-neutral tourism. At People of Costa Rica, we tell the stories of those who, like Jane, dedicate their lives to protecting our natural heritage.
In all of these efforts, we see her reflection. Jane taught us that conservation is not the work of scientists alone, but of every person who chooses to live in harmony with nature.
A Farewell, but Not an Ending
Dr. Goodall’s passing is not the end of her story. Her life’s work has become a movement that outlives her, carried forward by every child planting a tree, every scientist defending wildlife, and every traveler choosing a path of respect and sustainability.
As we bid farewell, we also make a promise: to honor her legacy by protecting the forests, the oceans, and the species that she loved so deeply.
Jane Goodall once said: “You cannot get through a single day without having an impact on the world around you. What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.”
Today, her words ring louder than ever. May her light guide us as we continue to make that difference — for Costa Rica, for the planet, and for all generations yet to come.
