National Wildlife Refuge Association Mourns Passing of Wildlife Conservation Icon, Jane Goodall

For Immediate Release October 2, 2025
Contact: Eden Taylor etaylor@refugeassociation.org

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Like the conservation community around the globe, the National Wildlife Refuge Association mourns the death of Dr. Jane Goodall, who inspired a conservation ethic and the science to help us understand wildlife. 

While Dr. Goodall is remembered most for her groundbreaking work with chimpanzees, she was a tireless advocate for biodiversity and all wildlife species. In her soft spoken but powerful voice, she eloquently urged us to protect places like the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, such as in this powerful video where she urged Americans to do everything in their power to ensure drilling in this magical place never happened. 

Dr. Goodall once opined: "Every individual has a role to play. Every individual makes a difference." We extend those thoughts to our National Wildlife Refuge System. Each refuge makes a difference. Each builds upon the conservation commitment of communities, scientists, Friends groups, and individual volunteers. Each refuge reflects the sort of caring that is Jane Goodall's legacy.

Let us all embrace Dr. Goodall's central message of hope to inspire conservation in our communities, our wildlife refuges, and across the nation.

###

As the only nonprofit solely dedicated to advocating on behalf of the National Wildlife Refuge System, the National Wildlife Refuge Association protects, promotes, and enhances America’s wildlife heritage through strategic programs that serve the System and wildlife beyond its boundaries. The organization addresses Refuge System funding, management, and strategic growth, while also promoting programs that maximize the system’s conservation impact.