In Memoriam: Dr. Jane Goodall, DBE

The Templeton Philanthropies mourn the passing of 2021 Templeton Prize laureate Dr. Jane Goodall. She died on October 1, 2025 at the age of 91.

In 2021, Dr. Goodall was awarded the Templeton Prize in celebration of her remarkable career, which arose from and was sustained by a keen scientific and spiritual curiosity. Her groundbreaking discoveries have changed humanity’s understanding of its role in an interconnected world, and her advocacy has pointed to a greater purpose for our species in caring for life on this planet.

Dr. Jane Goodall, DBE first gained world recognition with her revolutionary studies of chimpanzees in Tanzania’s Gombe Stream National Park, which singlehandedly changed how animals are studied. In 1977, she founded the Jane Goodall Institute, which helps protect Tanzania’s chimpanzee population and improves the lives of local communities.

Through her decades of research, she was a staunch advocate for environmental protection. Her Roots & Shoots program has helped educate people around the world on how to allow for communities, the environment, and local animals to thrive. She also spoke to numerous organizations on the importance of ecology and preserving the natural world.

“Jane Goodall reminded us all of our better angels,” said Timothy Dalrymple, president of the John Templeton Foundation. “She illuminated our interconnectedness with the natural world and exemplified how intelligence, courage, and love could come together in one person’s pursuit of a cause greater than herself. We are deeply saddened by this loss for our own species and also for others.” 

Heather Templeton Dill, former president of the John Templeton Foundation, added: “Jane’s work exemplified the kind of humility, spiritual curiosity, and discovery that my grandfather, Sir John Templeton, wrote and spoke about during his life. We are proud to count her among our Templeton Prize laureates and we will miss her kind and compassionate spirit.”

The Templeton Prize is administered by the John Templeton Foundation, based in West Conshohocken, Pennsylvania, with support from the Templeton World Charity Foundation and Templeton Religion Trust, based in Nassau, The Bahamas.

Learn more about Dr. Jane Goodall

Watch Living a Life of Purpose, a short biographical film about Dr. Jane Goodall:

Photo Credit: Tim Cole/Templeton Prize