On April 3, 2025, Jane Goodall — the renowned environmentalist, conservationist, and activist — celebrates her 91st birthday.
To celebrate, the Governor of Colorado, Jared Polis, declared a new holiday: Animals Matter Day.
“I proudly proclaim Animals Matter Day in honor of Dr. Jane Goodall, a true champion for wildlife and a beacon of hope for our planet,” Gov. Polis wrote on Instagram.
“Dr. Goodall’s groundbreaking work has inspired countless individuals to advocate for the protection of animals and their habitats. Let’s continue Jane’s legacy by fostering compassion and stewardship towards all living beings.”
At 91, Goodall has continued her tireless efforts to advocate for the planet and all living beings who inhabit it.
While Colorado’s new holiday honors her work, the Jane Goodall Institute itself issued a call to action for the more informal #GoodAllDay on April 3.
The nonprofit invited supporters — especially young people — to take action, share it on social media, and inspire others through Goodall’s Roots and Shoots program.
“Jane is lucky enough to have an amazing group of supporters who want to help her celebrate with cake and gifts, but the best gift you can give Jane is your promise to help her make a positive difference for people, other animals, and the planet we share,” the Institute’s website stated.
“Whether it's planting a tree, lending a helping hand, or simply spreading smiles, every act counts,” the Institute continued in a social media post.
Environmentalists across the globe have heeded her call.
The California Climate Action Corps, for example, planted 90,000 trees and native plants to celebrate Goodall’s big day.
“That’s what climate action looks like,” the leader of the group said in a video, echoed by a mass of “Happy Birthday Jane!” cheers from a team of students in the background.
Conservation leader Kristine McDivitt Tompkins also shared a video to celebrate Goodall, sharing her work from Argentina, where she is working to rewild countless endangered species.
“Together with the giant river otters, macaws, and jaguars making their way back to the vast Iberá wetlands, Kris and our whole team are wishing Jane a happy birthday from the wild,” Tompkins Conservation shared on its Instagram page.
“Your tenacity, love, and wisdom are a guiding force in the protection of the planet and all its biodiversity.”
And AppleTV+ even dropped a trailer for the final season of “Jane,” a series inspired by Dr. Goodall’s life and mission, just in time for the celebration.
From Colorado and beyond, her story will be recognized and honored as she writes her next chapter, with millions of supporters by her side.
“Dr. Goodall’s journey is a testament to the power of curiosity, perseverance, and hope,” the Jane Goodall Institute wrote.
“From her start as a little girl who dreamed of Africa to becoming a world-renowned conservationist, her story is one of transformation — not just for herself, but for all of us.”
Header image courtesy of Miguel McSongwe/The Jane Goodall Institute
