The world has lost one of its greatest champions of wildlife, Dr. Jane Goodall. She was one of the pioneering primatologists and conservationists whose work with chimpanzees transformed the way humans understand animals. She has sadly passed away at the age of 91. The Jane Goodall Institute confirmed her demise. Their official statement revealed that she passed away on October 2, 2025, in California, where she had travelled for a speaking tour.
Who were Dr. Jane Goodall’s husbands?
Dr. Jane Goodall’s personal life was as exemplary as her professional one. She was first married to Baron Hugo van Lawick, a Dutch nobleman and renowned wildlife photographer. The pair tied the knot in 1964 at Chelsea Old Church in London. During their marriage, she was known as Baroness Jane van Lawick-Goodall. Together, they welcomed a son, Hugo Eric Louis, in 1967. Despite their passion for the natural world, their marriage ended in divorce in 1974, after a decade together.
After a year, Dr. Jane Goodall once again fell in love with Derek Bryceson, a member of Tanzania’s parliament. Additionally, he served as the director of the country’s national parks. Their marriage in 1975 gave Jane strong support for her conservation efforts. Derek used his influence to protect her groundbreaking research in Gombe Stream National Park, even imposing a stop on tourism to safeguard her work. But their time together was short-lived as he died of cancer in 1980. Sharing why she did not want to marry further at 86, and said:
“I didn’t want to. I didn’t meet the right person, I suppose. My life was complete. I didn’t need a husband.”
Who is Jane Goodall’s son?
Jane Goodall has a son, Hugo Eric Louis, affectionately called “Grub.” He was born during her first marriage to Baron van Lawick, he grew up close to the wilderness that shaped his mother’s legacy. Though she guarded her son’s privacy, she had clearly spoken of how important family was to her, alongside her deep dedication to her work with chimpanzees. She was born in London in 1882 and developed a fascination with animals at a young age.
Jane kept pets ranging from dogs to a tortoise. Her love for Africa began when, as a child, she read Tarzan and Dr. Dolittle. In 1960, she started on her now-legendary study of wild chimpanzees in Gombe Stream National Park, Tanzania. She made groundbreaking findings, such as chimpanzees using tools and forming complex social bonds, which reshaped the scientific understanding of primates.
We send our heartfelt condolences to Dr. Jane Goodall’s family in this difficult time.
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