Tribute to Dr. Jane Goodall
From the Coalition of African Animal Welfare Organisations (CAAWO)
It is with the deepest sorrow that we at CAAWO mourn the passing of Dr. Jane Goodall, a true titan of conservation and a lifelong champion for the voiceless. The world has lost a guiding light, and her absence will be profoundly felt across the African continent and around the globe.
Dr. Goodall’s pioneering research in Tanzania not only revolutionised our understanding of chimpanzees, but also redefined the relationship between humanity and the animal kingdom. Her work demonstrated the profound intelligence, emotion, and social complexity of the beings with whom we share this planet. She was a visionary who saw the intricate connections between the welfare of animals, the health of our environment, and the well-being of human communities.
At CAAWO, we have always been guided by the principle that the destinies of humans, animals, and the environment are inextricably linked. Dr. Goodall’s life and work embodied this philosophy. Her community-centred conservation efforts, which placed local populations at the heart of environmental protection, continue to inspire our mission to foster sustainable development that benefits all sentient beings.
Her legacy lies not only in her scientific breakthroughs, but also in the millions of lives she touched through her advocacy, the founding of the Jane Goodall Institute, and the creation of the global youth program Roots & Shoots. She ignited a passion for conservation in generations of young people, empowering them to be compassionate leaders and stewards of our planet.
As we reflect on her extraordinary life, we are reminded of the responsibility we bear to carry her work forward. We must continue to advocate for the welfare of all animals, protect our shared environment, and build a more compassionate and sustainable future. Her unwavering spirit and her profound love for the natural world will continue to guide us.
On behalf of the entire CAAWO family, I extend our heartfelt condolences to Dr. Goodall’s family, friends, and the countless individuals whose lives she touched. May her legacy of hope, compassion, and dedication to our planet continue to inspire us all.
With deepest sympathy,
Tozie Zokufa
Executive Director
