Galápagos Conservancy Honors the Life and Legacy of Jane Goodall
The staff and board of Galápagos Conservancy join with the global community in mourning the loss of a true conservation icon: Dr. Jane Goodall.
Through a lifetime of scientific work and her enduring advocacy for the natural world, Dr. Goodall illuminated a hopeful path forward during a profoundly challenging period for the biodiversity of our planet.
Jane Goodall was a distinguished scientist who almost singlehandedly put chimpanzee biology on the global map. She took what could have been isolated scientific research and humanized it, translating the effort into something both personal and relatable to the general public. Her ability to make complex scientific inquiry broadly understood and deeply felt is a defining part of her legacy.
While she is perhaps best known for her work with our fellow primates, Goodall’s dedication wasn’t confined to a single species or ecosystem. She was a trailblazing ambassador for wildlife everywhere. Indeed, her “Roots & Shoots” youth program became a worldwide movement and underscored her fundamental belief that the future of the entire planet rests in the hands of the young people who inherit it.
Speaking to her influence, Dr. James Gibbs, Vice President of Science and Conservation for Galápagos Conservancy, said Goodall was “the measure of what it means to be a conservation biologist.”
“Dr. Jane Goodall was a patient scientist with a deep reverence for the subjects she studied and profound grasp of the interconnectedness of life on Earth,” Gibbs said.
“We Are All in Her Debt.”
Dr. Jorge Carrión, Conservation Director for the organization in Galápagos, said that he, too, deeply valued Goodall’s example.
“For those of us working in conservation, Jane Goodall was a true source of inspiration through her dedicated work to protect biodiversity,” he said.
“Today we mourn her passing, but we hold on to the example she left us.”
Goodall’s vision extended far beyond her field research. It was amplified through a global effort that champions conservation and animal welfare action, transforming her core philosophy—the connectedness of all life on Earth—into a powerful call for local engagement with global significance.
Those same values guide the work that Galápagos Conservancy is involved in every day. Her focus on sustainability and education mirrors our own commitment to working with local communities and educating the next generation of Galápagos stewards. We strive to live and work by her example, recognizing that protecting the unique wildlife of these islands is inextricably linked to the well-being of the people who call them home.
Galápagos-born biologist Carolina Loyola, the newest member of our conservation team, said that Goodall was a particular inspiration for young women.
“With her remarkable trajectory, Jane Goodall has inspired many women in science and will always remain a powerful role model. Thank you for showing us —and showing me— that we are capable of climbing mountains and reaching remote places to do the science we are so passionate about.”
Dr. Jane Goodall touched the hearts of countless individuals — both human and animal — and helped redefine our relationship with this fragile planet we share. She leaves behind a legacy defined by courage, persistence, gentleness and joy — all directed toward the betterment of the natural world.
We are profoundly grateful for her life’s work and extend our sincere condolences to all who are mourning her loss.
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