The world lost one of its true treasures today with the passing of Dr. Jane Goodall at the age of ninety-one. Her name became synonymous with compassion, curiosity, and a belief that each of us has the power to make the world a better place. She first gained fame in the forests of Africa, where her patient study of chimpanzees transformed how we see animals and ourselves. But over the decades she became so much more than a scientist. She was a teacher, a traveler, a voice for the voiceless, and a tireless advocate for protecting the natural world.
Even here in the Midwest, far from the jungles of Gombe, her influence reached us. Jane Goodall spoke often in the United States, and her message of hope resonated with audiences everywhere. She had a connection to Cincinnati through her friendship and collaboration with Cincinnati Zoo director Thane Maynard, with whom she co-authored a book. She also stepped into the public conversation when the Cincinnati Zoo faced tough questions about its care for animals, lending her wisdom and balance to the debate. And in Indianapolis, her message came to life on the IMAX screen at the Indiana State Museum through the film Jane Goodall: Reasons for Hope, which introduced her story to new generations. She even visited Indiana during her speaking tours, inspiring students and conservation groups across the state.
Jane Goodall’s greatest gift may have been her ability to make big issues feel personal. She reminded us that change doesn’t always come from sweeping policies or massive institutions. Often, it starts with one person planting a tree, cleaning up a creek, or choosing kindness over convenience. She urged us to think not only of the world as it is, but of the world we want to hand to our children and grandchildren. That message speaks powerfully to small towns like ours, where community ties run deep and where local choices ripple outward more than we might imagine.
As we mourn her passing, the best way to honor her is not with silence, but with action. Plant something. Protect something. Teach a child why it matters to care. Jane Goodall believed that every individual makes a difference, every day. She proved it with her life. And now it’s up to us to carry that hope forward.