Today, our hearts are broken at the loss of Dr. Jane Goodall. In Jane, we found a true conservation leader, a wildlife champion, a teacher, an icon, a friend. For over 60 years, Jane gave the world a deeper understanding of the wonders of wild animals and in doing so, a deeper understanding of our own humanity. And as she taught us about our magnificent and fragile natural world, she inspired us to protect it. Nearly every single day, for decades, Jane traveled the globe spreading her message that it is not too late to save our wildlife and wild places. Her hope was unshakable and infectious.
Jane leaves behind an incredible legacy. She was a pioneer at a time when women were sidelined in the sciences and excluded from leadership. She forever changed our perceptions of chimpanzees and of studying animals in the wild. And through her Roots and Shoots program, she has empowered young people around the world to protect and care for the environment. Jane’s work to protect animals and our planet, and her relentless optimism, will continue on in this generation and generations to come.
For WCN, this is a particularly personal loss. Jane was part of WCN from the very beginning. Despite her perpetually jam-packed schedule, Jane headlined our Wildlife Conservation Expos for years, motivating audiences with her sharp wit and engaging stories. She believed in WCN’s mission and our ability to carry out that mission, and her support has given us more than we can ever express. We are deeply grateful for her faith in our work, her wisdom and good humor, her generosity of time and spirit, and for all that she has done for wildlife.
There will only ever be one Jane Goodall, and we will miss her terribly.
“Jane was a dear friend and one of the greatest role models of our time. She showed the world how much difference one person can make when guided by compassion, courage, and hope. Jane dedicated her life to protecting animals, inspiring young people, and reminding us that every individual matters and every action counts.
While her passing leaves an enormous void, her vision lives on. We can honor her by carrying her work forward—standing up for wildlife, caring for our planet, and nurturing the next generation of changemakers. In doing so, we keep her spirit alive and ensure that her extraordinary legacy continues to shape a better future.”
-Charles Knowles, WCN President and Co-founder
