PETA Names Dr. Jane Goodall 2025 Person of the Year: A Lifetime of Compassion and Change

In a world that often seems disconnected from the natural world, Dr. Jane Goodall has spent her life reminding us of the profound bond we share with animals. PETA has honored her with the 2025 Person of the Year title, recognizing a lifetime dedicated to transforming the way we see and treat animals—not as things, but as beings worthy of compassion and respect.

Her journey began quietly, in the lush forests of Gombe, where Dr. Goodall earned the trust of wild chimpanzees and made groundbreaking discoveries that would forever change our understanding of the animal kingdom. She revealed that chimpanzees use tools, feel joy, mourn their losses, and form tight-knit families—proving that humans are not alone in our capacity for emotion, intelligence, and social bonds.

Dr. Goodall didn’t stop with her scientific work. Through the Jane Goodall Institute and Roots & Shoots, she sparked a global movement, inspiring millions of young people to protect not just animals, but people and the planet. Her legacy is a powerful call to action, turning empathy into real change.

But Dr. Goodall’s work is far from over. Even now, she continues to travel the world, giving voice to the voiceless and advocating for a kinder food system, an end to animal testing, and true protection for wildlife and forests. She stands as a tireless champion for the planet, showing us that every choice we make—no matter how small—can be an act of hope, compassion, and change.

Her message endures, echoing through the generations:

“Every choice we make can be an act of hope—for animals, for each other, and for the Earth we share.”

Dr. Goodall has not just witnessed history; she has made it. And as we look to the future, her example continues to inspire us to live with kindness, empathy, and a deep respect for all life.

Congratulations, Dr. Jane Goodall—your legacy is a testament to the power of one person to change the world.