Disney’s Offers Statement on Passing of Dr. Jane Goodall
Dr. Jane Goodall passed away at the age of 91 and our hearts our saddened. She leaves behind a grand legacy of animal advocacy, as well as countless support with Disney’s Animal Kingdom’s formation. This includes generating reviewed concepts and guidance on the creation of Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park. Read below Disney’s dedicated web page to a legendary woman.
Throughout Disney’s history, Dr. Goodall played a vital role as a trusted advisor and collaborator. She served as a long-time National Geographic Explorer, consulted on Disneynature films, and provided invaluable guidance in the creation of Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
In recognition of her contributions, she was honored with a plaque on the Tree of Life, alongside a carving of David Greybeard—the first chimpanzee to approach her during her groundbreaking research at Gombe National Park in Tanzania.
Over the years, Dr. Goodall was a cherished guest at milestone celebrations for both Disney’s Animal Kingdom and the Disney Conservation Fund (DCF). The DCF has proudly supported the Jane Goodall Institute, providing more than $6.5 million to her expansive efforts to protect chimpanzees and their habitats, and to connect young people with the wonders of nature.
Dr. Goodall’s legacy is one of hope and of empathy and it will endure in the hearts of those committed to building a brighter, more unified future for our planet.
Jane Goodall Institute social media statement:
“The Jane Goodall Institute has learned this morning, Wednesday, October 1, 2025, that Dr. Jane Goodall DBE, UN Messenger of Peace and Founder of the Jane Goodall Institute has passed away due to natural causes. She was in California as part of her speaking tour in the United States.”
“Dr. Goodall’s discoveries as an ethologist revolutionized science, and she was a tireless advocate for the protection and restoration of our natural world.”
The Jane Goodall Institute
Disney offered many statements on Dr. Goodall’s passing listed below are some accounts.
Disney’s official statement:
The Walt Disney Company mourns the loss of Dr. Jane Goodall, a pioneering conservationist, renowned primatologist, and tireless advocate for animals and the environment. Through her work, she encouraged generations of people to believe in their ability to make a meaningful difference for our planet.
“Dr. Jane Goodall, Dame of the British Empire, UN Messenger of Peace, and founder of the Jane Goodall Institute, had a profound impact on our world and all those who inhabit it,” said Bob Iger, Chief Executive Officer, The Walt Disney Company. “She was a powerful advocate for protecting wildlife and wild places, and her extraordinary career has proven to be an inspiration for generations of people, including so many of us at Disney.”
Bob Iger’s statement:
“We were proud to collaborate with her on a number of important projects, including the instrumental role she played in the creation of Disney’s Animal Kingdom. I’ll never forget when she was asked by a reporter where in the world she would choose to live if she were an animal, her response was Disney’s Animal Kingdom, because that’s where animals get the best care. Her legacy will live on, both in the movement she helped shape and the many people she inspired.”
“We are so grateful to Dr. Goodall for championing our work at Disney’s Animal Kingdom in Florida,” said Josh D’Amaro, Chairman, Disney Experiences. “As one of our earliest and most trusted advisors, she became a regular fixture at the park over the years and helped us tell the story of nature with care and authenticity. She will be deeply missed and never forgotten.”
Josh D’Amaro
“We are so grateful to Dr. Goodall for championing our work at Disney’s Animal Kingdom in Florida,”
“As one of our earliest and most trusted advisors, she became a regular fixture at the park over the years and helped us tell the story of nature with care and authenticity. She will be deeply missed and never forgotten.”
Throughout Disney’s history, Dr. Goodall played a vital role as a trusted advisor and collaborator. She served as a long-time National Geographic Explorer, consulted on Disneynature films, and provided invaluable guidance in the creation of Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
In recognition of her contributions, she was honored with a plaque on the Tree of Life, alongside a carving of David Greybeard—the first chimpanzee to approach her during her groundbreaking research at Gombe National Park in Tanzania.
Over the years, Dr. Goodall was a cherished guest at milestone celebrations for both Disney’s Animal Kingdom and the Disney Conservation Fund (DCF). The DCF has proudly supported the Jane Goodall Institute, providing more than $6.5 million to her expansive efforts to protect chimpanzees and their habitats, and to connect young people with the wonders of nature.
Dr. Goodall’s legacy is one of hope and of empathy and it will endure in the hearts of those committed to building a brighter, more unified future for our planet.
Dr. Jane Goodall’s Impact on Disney’s Animal Kingdom
In the ‘90s, when an idea was proposed for Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, Dr. Jane reviewed the concept and provided guidance, a trusted voice then and for years and years for Disney’s commitment to animals and conservation. Her first visit to Disney’s Animal Kingdom was during the construction phase, and she returned to celebrate the grand opening. In gratitude for the meaningful role Jane played for the park and the world, Dr. Goodall was honored with a plaque on the Tree of Life, alongside a carving of David Greybeard, the original chimpanzee who first approached Jane during her first year at Gombe National Park in Tanzania.
