Honouring Dr. Jane Goodall, DBE
Blog
Dr. Jane Goodall showed the world that animals are individuals with emotions, intelligence and personalities. We honour her legacy by continuing to fight for their protection and dignity.
The world has lost a remarkable voice for animals.
Dr. Jane Goodall, who passed away at 91, transformed how we understand and relate to the natural world. Through decades of research, she showed that animals are not just species – they are individuals with personalities, emotions, intelligence and rich social lives.
At World Animal Protection, we are inspired by her legacy and reminded why seeing animals as sentient beings is at the heart of our work.
Dr. Jane Goodall speaking in Toronto, 2010. (Photo: Jo-Anne McArthur / We Animals)
Tricia Croasdell, CEO of World Animal Protection, shared her thoughts:
"Jane has long been a huge inspiration to me, so I am incredibly sad to hear the news of her passing.
She has been a force for good for longer than I have been alive! Her groundbreaking research into chimpanzees launched her into animal rights advocacy. Whilst at secretarial school she dreamed of going to Africa to live among and learn from wild animals. She made that dream a reality and has worked for her entire life to make the world a better place for animals.
I love that she defied the norm and named the chimpanzees she observed, rather than numbering them, because she knew they had emotions and personalities. I was also in awe of her initiative Roots & Shoots, which encouraged young people around the world to be agents of change by protecting the environment, wildlife, or their communities.
She once said: “The least I can do is speak out for those who cannot speak for themselves.” and for that, I would like to thank Jane for being a true animal protector. She has paved the way for us all."
Melissa Matlow, Campaign Director for World Animal Protection Canada, reflects on the impact Dr. Jane Goodall had on her work and life:
“The world lost a giant – a trailblazer in science and advocacy for animals, nature, people and peace. Dr. Goodall is a big reason I studied ecology in university and now advocate for animal welfare. She saw the interconnections between advocating for both people, animals and the planet. She was not afraid to talk about animals’ emotions when speaking about wildlife conservation issues. She’s also inspired me in my advocacy approach because she made change by bringing people together, including unlikely allies and opponents and she always led with hope. While I never had the opportunity to meet her, I attended one of her lectures in Toronto and was truly honoured to be interviewed alongside her for The Last Tourist film. Her spirit and advocacy will live on in all of us.”
Regina Flores, Private Sector Engagement Manager, also shared what Dr. Goodall meant to her personally and professionally:
“You taught us to widen our circle of compassion in new directions. For some that may mean questioning why we cuddle our dog but accept the suffering of a factory farmed pig on our plate. For others it may mean considering the nuances of other cultures or religions in a new light. You have planted many seeds. And despite the horrific strife in the world today, those seeds are blossoming, and they will grow, and thrive and spread. Your roots have shoots extending everywhere and there is still more good than bad.
All I can do now is honour your legacy by working harder in my professional work to seek higher welfare for animals and greater justice for all, and in my personal relationships to inspire others to have empathy for non-human animals, and lead with greater peace. And like you, I will be a voice for the lesser regarded “farmed” animals who deserve meaningful welfare protections."
How Dr. Jane Goodall changed how we see animals
Dr. Goodall’s groundbreaking approach showed the world that animals are individuals with emotions, personalities and complex social lives. She named the chimpanzees she studied, rather than numbering them, because she recognized their unique identities and in doing so, she transformed the way humans think about animals.
Her influence extended far beyond the field.
- In Canada, she spoke at our Parliamentary Reception on preventing the next pandemic, emphasizing the link between human and animal health. She highlighted the need to protect ecosystems and regulate the wildlife trade to reduce disease risks. Her powerful words helped shape our advocacy, contributing to the Pandemic Prevention and Preparedness Bill, which passed the House of Commons. Although the bill must be reintroduced due to the change in government, it set an important precedent, alongside election commitments to address the wildlife trade.
- Dr. Goodall was also the driving force behind the proposed Jane Goodall Act, which aimed to phase-out of the captivity of elephants, great apes and other wild animals, while strengthening protections for these intelligent, sentient beings. This bill also needs to be reintroduced, but we have already received a commitment from the Carney Liberals to act: “The Liberal Party of Canada has previously passed legislation to ban the breeding, display, and trade for whales, dolphins, and porpoises for entertainment. A newly elected Liberal Government led by Mark Carney will build off this work to protect more animals in Canada and abroad."
- She lent her voice to The Last Tourist film, which educated audiences around the world about the exploitation of wild animals for entertainment.
- She has joined us in calling for seaside sanctuary solutions for marine mammals retired from the entertainment industry, which is timely given the current situation at Marineland in Niagara Falls.
Through her words, actions and advocacy, Dr. Goodall reminded us all of the importance of seeing animals as individuals and of speaking out for those who cannot speak for themselves.
Continuing Dr. Jane Goodall’s legacy
At World Animal Protection, we apply this principle every day: animals are individuals and each deserves respect and protection. Recognizing their intelligence and emotional lives underpins all the work that we do.
Dr. Jane Goodall’s life reminds us that compassion is a choice and that every action matters. She inspired millions to see animals as individuals, not objects, and to advocate for their protection.
At World Animal Protection, we honour her by continuing to fight for systemic change, ensuring that animals worldwide are recognized for who they truly are: sentient, feeling beings deserving of dignity.
As we remember Jane Goodall, we invite you to join us in continuing her mission. Every effort to protect animals, raise awareness and fight against animal suffering carries forward her vision of a compassionate world.