‘She inspired me even more to do better’: Singaporeans mourn Goodall’s death

In December 2024, local primatologist Andie Ang sat with Dr Jane Goodall as she penned thank-you notes to friends of the Jane Goodall Institute of Singapore (JGIS).

- Angelica Ang

The acclaimed conservationist was visiting the Republic as part of her global speaking tour.

When Dr Ang sent her off at the airport, Dr Goodall pulled her into a hug, and said: “I didn’t have time left to write a note to you, but I know how to reach you — wait for my email.”

“Your email will not come any more, but I think I got your message,” Dr Ang, JGIS’ president, wrote in an Instagram tribute, after news of Dr Goodall’s death was announced on Oct 2.

The world-renowned zoologist and conservationist died at the age of 91 on Oct 1. She was in California as part of her speaking tour in the United States.

Dr Goodall is best known for her work on chimpanzees, having studied their social and family interactions in the wild for over 60 years. She established the Jane Goodall Institute in 1977, an environmental nonprofit organisation with offices in 35 countries around the world, including Singapore.

The institute’s Singapore office also posted online about Dr Goodall’s death on Oct 2, along with prominent figures in the local environment community, such as Education Minister Desmond Lee, National Development Minister Chee Hong Tat, and former MP Louis Ng.