Chief Advisor Yunus grieves passing of ‘dear friend’ environmentalist Jane Goodall

The Jane Goodall Institute confirms the world-renowned primatologist died from natural causes at the age of 91

Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus has expressed deep sorrow at the death of world-renowned zoologist, primatologist, anthropologist and conservationist Jane Goodall.

The Jane Goodall Institute confirmed that she died from natural causes on Wednesday at the age of 91 while in California during a visit to the United States.

She earned global fame through her research into the behaviour and social lives of chimpanzees.

In a condolence message sent from the Chief Advisor's Office on Thursday, Yunus said: "I am deeply saddened by the demise of my dear friend Dr Jane Goodall."

Describing her as an unwavering warrior until her final day, he added: "She dedicated her life to the cause of peace, sustainability, justice and the interconnectedness of all of us on the planet. The natural world has lost one of its greatest advocates and left us with a very heavy heart.

“Today, I salute and honour her achievements and accomplishments which will continue to have their impact beyond her earthly passing.”

Recalling Goodall's long-standing relationship with Bangladesh, he said: "Goodall, a long-time friend of Bangladesh, took a keen interest in the ways Grameen Bank empowered women, visiting in the 1990s, and incorporated its principles in her own work in Africa and elsewhere. She remained a close friend of our nation. She always inspired me and appreciated our work mentioning it in many of her speeches, including one she conveyed just recently during the June 2025 Social Business Day Conference."

“I will be forever grateful for her support and the inspiration that she has been to me and millions around the world. May your soul rest in peace. The world will miss you.”