Paul McCartney has paid tribute to primatologist Jane Goodall, who has died aged 91.
Goodall died of natural causes on October 1, 2025, the Jane Goodall Institute confirmed. The world-renowned ethologist has often been credited with her decades of pioneering research in the field of primate ethology. She would go on to found the Jane Goodall Institute in 1977, and was appointed United Nations Messenger of Peace in 2002. The Beatles member and Wings frontman has since paid tribute to Goodall. McCartney had ties with Goodall beyond their shared love of humanitarian efforts, with the veteran performer suggesting his song, Wild Life, be featured on the Jane Goodall’s Wild Chimpanzees benefit CD. The title track from Wings’ debut album was featured on the eighteen-song compilation.
In a post on his Instagram, McCartney shared images of Goodall and praised her as a “true heroine” for animal rights activists across the globe. He wrote: “Very sad to hear of the passing of Dr Jane Goodall. She was a true heroine to all fellow animal rights activists and a wonderful example to us all.
“Her lifelong work with various animals made her a shining star, and we are all deeply grateful for the inspiration she gave us. Rest in peace, Jane.” Goodall’s death was confirmed by the Jane Goodall Institute yesterday (October 1), with the activist hailed for her sixty-five-year stretch of chimpanzee studies.
A statement from the institute reads: “Dr. Jane Goodall, DBE, Founder of the Jane Goodall Institute, UN Messenger of Peace and world-renowned ethologist, conservationist, and humanitarian, has died at the age of 91 of natural causes.
“Dr. Jane was known around the world for her 65-year study of wild chimpanzees in Gombe, Tanzania. However, in the latter part of her life she expanded her focus and became a global advocate for human rights, animal welfare, species and environmental protection, and many other crucial issues.
“Jane was passionate about empowering young people to become involved in conservation and humanitarian projects and she led many educational initiatives focused on both wild and captive chimpanzees.
“Throughout her life and remarkable career, Jane inspired generations of scientists, brought hope to countless people from all walks of life, and urged us all to remember that ‘every single one of us makes a difference every day – it is up to us as to the kind of difference we make’.
“Her legacy continues with the ongoing research at Gombe, the community-centered conservation program Tacare, the work of the sanctuaries Chimp Eden in South Africa and Tchimpounga in the Republic of the Congo, and Roots & Shoots empowering young people to become involved in hands on programs for the community, animals and the environment.
“Though Jane travelled 300 days a year, her home was in Bournemouth, UK, in the house her grandmother and mother had lived in before her. Her sister Judy Waters and her family played a huge role in supporting Jane’s work over the decades, providing a warm welcome whenever she returned home. Jane is survived by her son Hugo Eric Louis van Lawick (affectionately known as Grub) and her three grandchildren, Merlin, Angel, and Nick, as well as her sister Judy.”
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