When we learned on the morning of October 1, 2025 that Dr. Jane Goodall had passed away peacefully in her sleep at the age of 91, the news was felt around the world. For each of us in the Jane Goodall Institute’s global community, the loss is immense — but Jane gave us clear instructions that the best way to honor her life and uphold her legacy is to build the compassionate world that she envisioned.
While the movement she started will and must continue, guided by the inspiration and direction she left us with, it has been important for us to gather and pause in remembrance of the remarkable person who started it all. Across the globe, these moments of remembrance take different forms. Jane believed in the strength that comes from taking action first within your community, and these local celebrations are a testament to that belief. Listed here are some of the ways that we at the Jane Goodall Institute have chosen to celebrate our beloved founder.
🇸🇬 Singapore — October 4-5, 2025
In Singapore, the British Council provided space in the lobby of its Napier Road Centre to set up a “Remember Dr. Jane” corner, where her friends and fans had a chance to sign condolence books and share their memories of Jane.
A steady stream of people came throughout the two days, including Minister for Education Desmond Lee, who had met Jane in person and virtually several times, and British High Commissioner to Singapore Nikesh Mehta, who planted a tree with Jane last year at the Roots & Shoots Youth Summit. Many who came thanked the staff at the 🔗 Jane Goodall Institute Singapore for giving them the opportunity to say goodbye to Jane.
🇧🇪 Belgium — October 4, 2025
The 🔗 Jane Goodall Institute Belgium team honored Jane on World Animal Day with a “pre-official opening” of the new “Chimp Island” at Pakawi Park. JGI Staff received a warm welcome from Pakawi Park CEO Tommy Pasteels and his team, who have made a considerable investment in giving the park’s four rescued chimpanzees a safe and enriching habitat.
Heavy storm and rain showers made an appearance at the event, and some present remarked that this showed how “nature was mourning for [Jane].” Despite the weather, it was a heartwarming gathering of so many who have been inspired by Jane’s life, learning from each other and exchanging ideas for future events to commemorate their dear Jane.
🇭🇺 HUNGARY — OCTOBER 5, 2025
Our friends at the 🔗 Jane Goodall Institute Hungary held a beautiful memorial service around an oak tree planted in Városmajor, Budapest, and dedicated to Jane. Located between the Heart of Jesus Parish and the Városmajor Outdoor Stage, its placement holds both spiritual and cultural significance. From there, the group participated in one of Jane’s favorite activities, enjoying nature, as they walkied along the Jane Goodall Nature trail. Some participants brought their dogs — Jane’s favorite animal — and as they walked, they shared stories and memories of Jane’s life.
🇯🇵 JAPAN — OCTOBER 7, 2025
On October 7th, Yokohama International School held a memorial service with the 🔗 Jane Goodall Institute Japan centered on writing personal messages to Jane. The ceremony included a moment of silence and a short video of Jane in action, inviting participants to reflect on the work that she has left for us to continue.
Students planted a tree and several flowers in her honor, with feedback from the community on which species were most appropriate, and many students from elementary to high school registered as new Roots & Shoots members. The collective message to Jane is now displayed at the school library along with the many books Jane has written.
🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates — October 10, 2025
As part of her tireless work to spread hope around the world, Jane was planning to give a keynote address at this year’s International Union for Conservation of Nature’s World Conservation Congress in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE). In her absence, IUCN and JGI co-hosted a stirring tribute celebrating her extraordinary life and legacy.
Several speakers from the JGI network — including JGI Vice President of Africa Programs Alice Macharia, JGI Vice President of Conservation Science Dr. Lilian Pintea, and Executive Director of 🔗 Roots & Shoots UAE Tara Golshan — contributed personal stories about Jane and asserted their commitment to continuing Jane’s mission forward.
“There is an African proverb, ‘We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children.’ Jane worked with urgency and embodied this to ensure that future generations would have access to nature.” – Alice Macharia, Vice President of Africa Programs, JGI USA
“Jane’s holistic vision wove together not only deep observations of animals and nature, but also a compassionate heart. She transcended and touched us all, deeply, in the most powerful and transformative ways.” – Dr. Lilian Pintea, Vice President of Conservation Science, JGI USA
“Our roots are our values: compassion, respect, hope and understanding. And our shoots are our actions: projects, ideas and communities that continue to grow. Jane personified goodness, gentleness, and hope in a time when the world desperately needs all three. We will make sure her global programmes continue to flourish.” -Tara Golshan, Executive Director, JGI UAE
Other global leaders also shared their reflections on Jane’s life and legacy, including IUCN President Razan Al Mubarak, IUCN Director General Grethel Aguilar, and Chair of IUCN SSC Primate Specialist Group Russell Mittermeier.
🇹🇼 Taiwan — October 15, 2025
🔗 Jane Goodall Institute Taiwan staff and their partners in impact gathered at the International Conference Hall of Chang Jung Christian University for a powerful tribute: “Continuing the Spirit of Action; In Loving Memory of Dr. Jane Goodall.” The event included touching footage of Jane doing what she loved most, including her biannual visits to the Erren River in Taiwan, where she was deeply impressed by local environmental efforts. JGI Taiwan Executive Director Kelly Kok gave one of several heartfelt eulogies sharing Jane’s impact, and Mugisha Emmanuel joined from Burundi to sing his memorial song for Jane, “Together We Rise.”
To read the official announcement of Jane’s passing, and to help us continue her legacy, please visit our “Remembering Jane” page below.
Image credits, in order of appearance: JGI India/Shweta Khare, JGI Singapore, JGI Belgium, JGI Japan, Jane Goodall Institute.
