How did Jane Goodall celebrate her 90th birthday? Primatologist recalled fond memory before her death at 91

Jane Goodall, the renowned primatologist and conservationist, dedicated her life to protecting animals and preserving nature. Her most reputable work was her lifelong research on chimpanzees in the Gombe Stream National Park in Tanzania. On a speaking tour in Los Angeles, Goodall died on October 1, 2025, at the age of 91.

Goodall also gave a very special memory concerning her 90th birthday in one of her last interviews. She termed it as one of the best events of her milestone year. It was not a celeb or music party, but an outdoor party with dogs.

This modest celebration was an expression of the lifelong relationship with animals that Goodall had. Although she continued to journey around the world with her message of conservation, she was delighted with this experience on its own.

Jane Goodall's 90 dogs celebration

On her 90th birthday, Goodall took part in an unusual event called the “90-Dog Salute.” It was held on a beach in Carmel-by-the-Sea, California. The Wildlife Conservation Network helped organize the celebration on March 23, 2024.

Speaking on Alex Cooper’s Call Her Daddy podcast in May 2025, Goodall explained what happened.

“The only thing I really liked was when I was greeted on the beach by 90 dogs,” she said.

The beach was an off-leash area where people brought their dogs to join her. Jane Goodall described the day as simple but unforgettable.

“I was throwing sticks in the sea, and then it began to rain. Then it stopped raining, and it was just amazing,” she recalled.

She also shared a photo taken with all the dogs and their owners, set against the sea in the background.

Read More: 6 charities and causes Jane Goodall supported throughout her life

A year of travel and tributes

While the dog celebration was her favorite memory, Jane Goodall’s 90th birthday year was marked by many events. She told PEOPLE in 2024 that several gatherings were planned in her honor.

“People like Leo DiCaprio are coming to one birthday [event], and Dave Matthews is playing at another,” she said.

At the time, Goodall was traveling almost nonstop.

“I’ve been literally traveling nonstop since January the 12th. I’ve had five days at home in England, and the rest has been from place to place to place,” she explained.

In 2024 alone, she was on the road about 300 days, speaking about conservation and environmental issues.

Even at 90, she remained active in sharing her mission. She said her goal was to continue spreading “a message of hope through action” and encourage others to protect the natural world.

Read More: How did David Greybeard help Jane Goodall revolutionize primate research? All about the first chimp to "trust" late zoologist

Jane Goodall’s 90th birthday reflected the deep value she places on simple connections with both animals and people. While many public events were organized to honor her milestone, her most cherished moment was simply playing with dogs on the beach.

Her words and work touched generations, and her legacy continues through her institute, her family, and the countless people she inspired. The story of her birthday celebration reflects how she found meaning in nature and companionship right until the end.

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