TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Renowned conservationist Jane Goodall died peacefully in her sleep at age 91, the Jane Goodall Institute announced Wednesday (Oct. 1). Her death represents a profound loss to the global conservation movement, particularly as she was scheduled to speak in Los Angeles Friday. Goodall had visited Taiwan in June, participating in coral restoration projects with Delta Electronics (台達電) and meeting company founder Bruce C.H. Cheng (鄭崇華).
Goodall participated in Delta Electronics' coral restoration education program in Keelung during her June visit, candidly acknowledging her limited remaining time. The primatology pioneer received the Tang Prize (唐獎) in Sustainable Development in 2020 for her groundbreaking discoveries. Her final Taiwan visit focused on promoting environmental sustainability and ESG concepts among local audiences and conservation partners.
Goodall's Taiwan connection began in 1996 when she first engaged with Taiwanese youth on environmental issues. The Jane Goodall Institute Taiwan launched the global Roots & Shoots youth program in 1988. Her conservation focus included coral reef protection, with Delta Electronics partnering with her institute and the National Museum of Marine Science and Technology (海科館) to publish 'Saving Our Coral Reefs' (珊瑚，是海洋的森林). ◼