The Nature Bible

Reflections

Thoughts · Daily Post

Remembering Dr Jane Goodall

 

 

MESSAGE FROM THE THE ETHOLOGIST, CONSERVATIONIST AND HUMANITARIAN

 

 

Known around the world for her study of chimpanzees in Gombe, Tanzania, Dr. Jane Goodall, DBE, Founder of the Jane Goodall Institute and UN Messenger of Peace died on 1st October 2025 at the age of 91.

 

Her charity started with chimpanzees, but it soon became a global movement for protecting all wild animals, empowering people, and healing the environment. Her Roots & Shoots program alone, designed to inspire and equip the next generation of conservation leaders, is flourishing in over 100 countries.

 

A believer that all lives matter, all actions matter and everything is connected, throughout her own life, Jane worked tirelessly and had many words of wisdom delivered with grace, that resonated with us all. She said of her foundation that it was "building a future grounded on compassion, collaboration and hope."

 

Her words below, were recorded in an interview earlier this year to be broadcast only after she died:

 

"In the place where I am now, I look back over my life. I look back at the world I've left behind. What message do I want to leave? I want to make sure that you all understand that each and every one of you has a role to play. You may not know it, you may not find it, but your life matters, and you are here for a reason.

 

And I just hope that reason will become apparent as you live through your life. I want you to know that, whether or not you find that role that you're supposed to play, your life does matter, and that every single day you live, you make a difference in the world. And you get to choose the difference that you make.

 

I want you to understand that we are part of the natural world. And even today, when the planet is dark, there still is hope. Don't lose hope. If you lose hope, you become apathetic and do nothing. And if you want to save what is still beautiful in this world - if you want to save the planet for the future generations, your grandchildren, their grandchildren - then think about the actions you take each day.

Because, multiplied a million, a billion times, even small actions will make for great change. I want to - I just hope that you understand that this life on Planet Earth isn't the end. I believe, and now I know, that there is life beyond death. That consciousness survives.

 

I can't tell you, from where I am, secrets that are not mine to share. I can't tell you what you will find when you leave Planet Earth. But I want you to know that your life on Planet Earth will make some difference in the kind of life you find after you die.

Above all, I want you to think about the fact that we are part - when we're on Planet Earth - we are part of Mother Nature. We depend on Mother Nature for clean air, for water, for food, for clothing, for everything. And as we destroy one ecosystem after another, as we create worse climate change, worse loss of diversity, we have to do everything in our power to make the world a better place for the children alive today, and for those that will follow.

 

You have it in your power to make a difference. Don't give up. There is a future for you. Do your best while you're still on this beautiful Planet Earth that I look down upon from where I am now.

 

God bless you all."

 

(Source: Netflix/Famous Last Words)

 

If you'd like to, you can donate to her legacy through the Jane Goodall Foundation HERE.

 

(Pics: The Jane Goodall Foundation)