Resolution Honors Dr. Jane Goodall's Legacy: Celebrating 91 Years of Chimpanzee Science and Advocacy

This isn't a bill that changes policy or adds a new tax; this is a resolution, a formal statement of respect and honor. Specifically, this resolution pays tribute to the extraordinary life and legacy of Dr. Jane Goodall following her passing on October 1, 2025, at the age of 91. It’s essentially a public acknowledgment of her massive contributions to science and conservation, ensuring her work is formally recognized at the highest level.

The Scientist Who Rewrote the Textbooks

For those of us who grew up thinking of scientists in labs, Dr. Goodall was the ultimate field researcher, and this resolution highlights her groundbreaking work. It specifically recognizes her discovery that chimpanzees make and use tools, a finding that fundamentally changed how we define humanity and our relationship with the animal kingdom. Her establishment of the Gombe research program in Tanzania, the world's longest-running study of wild chimpanzees, is also noted, cementing her status as a scientific pioneer who earned her Ph.D. from Cambridge University.

Roots and Shoots: The Global Impact

Beyond the science, the resolution focuses heavily on her role as an advocate. It acknowledges the global reach of the Jane Goodall Institute and the Roots and Shoots Program, which operates in approximately 75 countries. This is the part that connects her work to everyday life for many young people—Roots and Shoots is all about empowering children and young adults to take action on environmental and humanitarian issues in their own communities. The resolution commends her lifelong dedication to the survival and ethical treatment of chimpanzees and her tireless efforts to educate the public, especially children, about protecting the natural environment.

A Legacy of Compassion

The resolution sums up her life by stating that she blended science, advocacy, and compassion, noting that her legacy will continue to inspire humanity to live in greater harmony with the natural world. It extends condolences to her family and the staff of the Jane Goodall Institute. While a resolution doesn't change laws, its purpose is to formally recognize figures whose work has had a profound, positive impact globally, ensuring that her efforts to protect wildlife and the natural world are formally honored.