After Dr. Jane Goodall, the beloved primatologist and conservationist, died on October 1, 2025, the world mourned her loss and celebrated the 91 years she spent making the world a better place.
Now, months after her passing, the Jane Goodall Institute — a nonprofit that continues to support conservation, youth education, advocacy, and research initiatives — has announced that April 3 will officially be Jane Goodall Day.
“April 3 … is Jane’s birthday. And this year, we are officially marking April 3 as Jane Goodall Day,” the organization wrote in an email announcement.
“This first annual day of action will celebrate how Jane’s ideas live on through the people, communities, and work advancing her vision.”
Jane Goodall was 91 when she died. Photo by Daniela Matejschek via the Jane Goodall Institute
While many people similarly celebrated Goodall’s birthday while she was still alive, this new holiday will have a special meaning for all who want to follow in her footsteps.
“Dr. Jane Goodall dedicated her life to showing that people create meaningful change when they come together with purpose. She led a global movement dedicated to protecting our natural world and the human and wildlife communities that call this planet home,” JGI continued.
“From her groundbreaking scientific discoveries to her global advocacy for wildlife, communities, and the planet, Jane reshaped how the world understands conservation and our shared responsibility. Now, that responsibility lives with all of us.”
This year, the institute is asking people to use April 3 as an opportunity to financially support its work, while also taking action on behalf of the natural world.
In the past, this has looked like planting trees, picking up trash, or supporting a youth Roots & Shoots project to take action for the planet.
Goodall plants trees with Roots & Shoots youth. Photo courtesy of the Jane Goodall Institute
The Institute currently has an interactive digital experience for people to learn more about Goodall and the other change-makers who have supported her legacy over the years.
“Dr. Jane Goodall often reminded us that there is hope for a brighter future when people take action together. That belief inspired Jane Goodall Day — which we will celebrate on Jane’s birthday, April 3,” the organization said.
“Together, let’s ensure Jane’s work lives on for generations to come.”
You may also like: Because of Jane Goodall, I became a primatologist
Header image by Roy Borghouts for the Jane Goodall Institute
