Oct. 1, 2026 marks the first anniversary of Dr. Jane Goodall's death; she passed away on Oct. 1, 2025 at age 91. To honor her legacy, the Jane Goodall Institute USA is hosting a global Hike for Hope from Oct. 1–4, encouraging people to reconnect with nature. The institute also announced the relocation of a rescued young ape named Bili (born 2023) to the Tchimpounga rehabilitation center on Sept. 21. Tchimpounga, founded by Goodall in 1992, provides care for 150+ rescued chimpanzees and other wildlife.
One Year After Jane Goodall’s Passing, Her Legacy Endures — Rescued Young Ape Bili Finds Sanctuary
Dr. Jane Goodall with her beloved stuffed monkey, Mr. H; Bili the Gorilla, who was just relocated to the chimpanzee sanctuary Goodall founded in 1992 in the CongoCredit: Ryan Emberley/Getty; Jane Goodall Institute
Oct. 1, 2026 marks one year since Dr. Jane Goodall died at age 91 in Los Angeles on Oct. 1, 2025 while on a speaking tour. She is survived by her son Hugo and three grandchildren.
To commemorate her life and work, the Jane Goodall Institute USA (JGI USA) has launched a global Hike for Hope, inviting people everywhere to spend time outdoors from Oct. 1–4. Participants can join organized events, host a local hike, or simply take a walk in their neighborhood to reconnect with nature.
Continuing the Mission
In an interview with PEOPLE, JGI USA Executive Director Anna Rathman reflected on the institute's path since Goodall's passing. "We miss Jane as a friend and mentor," Rathman said. "But she left the organization in a strong place. Her mission and values are carried forward by colleagues who worked alongside her — her legacy is in very capable hands."
Rathman described Hike for Hope as both a tribute to Goodall's optimism and a simple way to encourage people to engage with the natural world. "It could be a mountain hike, a walk in a city park, or simply a neighborhood stroll," she said. "Getting outside is a first step toward a better future for people, other animals and our planet."
Goodall's Roots & Shoots youth program will host official Hike for Hope events in cities including Los Angeles, Tampa Bay, Chicago and Portland, with activities designed to inspire young people and communities to act for conservation.
Jane Goodall in Gombe Stream National Park, Tanzania, in 1965Credit: CBS via Getty
A New Arrival at Tchimpounga
The institute also announced the relocation of a rescued young ape named Bili to the Tchimpounga rehabilitation center in the Republic of the Congo. Born in 2023 and seized from wildlife traffickers as an infant, Bili received initial care at the Pandrillus Foundation's Drill Ranch in Calabar, Nigeria before being moved to Tchimpounga on Sept. 21.
At Tchimpounga Bili will have the opportunity to live in a more natural setting and socialize with another rescued primate at the center. Tchimpounga — founded by Jane Goodall and the Jane Goodall Institute in 1992 near Pointe-Noire — specializes in rehabilitation and long-term care for chimpanzees and other African wildlife affected by the illegal wildlife trade.
"Tchimpounga is the largest chimpanzee sanctuary on the African continent," Rathman said. "The quality of care provided there is extraordinary."
The center provides veterinary care, psychological enrichment and programs that support gradual readaptation to more natural environments when possible. Today Tchimpounga cares for more than 150 chimpanzees and other rescued animals, continuing the practical conservation work that was central to Goodall's life's mission.
Those interested in participating in a Hike for Hope event can find scheduled activities and register on the JGI USA Hike for Hope calendar.
Photo note: Jane Goodall photographed in Gombe Stream National Park, Tanzania, 1965. (Credit: CBS via Getty)
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