Who is Hugo 'Grub' van Lawick? Everything you need to know about Jane Goodall's only son amid her death at 91

Jane Goodall, the world-renowned primatologist, passed away on October 1, 2025, at the age of 91. Her legacy of science and conservation is what influenced the world perception of chimpanzees and the nature. Her professional heritage is not the only thing to remember about Goodall. She was the mother of an only son, Hugo "Grub" Eric Louis van Lawick.

Grub was born in 1967 in Nairobi, Kenya, to Goodall and her first husband Baron Hugo van Lawick, a Dutch wildlife filmmaker. Grub led a more intimate life in contrast to his mother who spent most of her life in the limelight.

With the world being reminded of the accomplishments that Jane Goodall made, the spotlight has shifted to the life of her son. The background and journey of Grub reveal how he struck the balance between growing up as the son of a renowned scientist and living his own life out of the limelight.

Grub, Jane Goodall's son's early life and upbringing

During the early years of his life, Grub spent most of his time in Tanzania in Gombe Stream National Park. His mother was actively engaged in her chimpanzee study and Grub often spent his childhood with scientists and wildlife. Goodall constructed a cage to keep him safe, as a baby, and to be near the research site at the same time avoiding wild animals.

He had an atypical childhood. He divided his time between Africa and England where he attended school at Bournemouth. He spent some time in Tanzania with his mother and nature during summers. This combination of environments provided him with the special insight into life.

Goodall had studied chimpanzees and this study affected her parenting style. She had remained near her son and tried to create a stability even when she was in the field. This close relationship carried over into adulthood.

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

Personal life and family

Grub did not want to pursue his mother in science and conservation. Rather, he became interested in boat building. His parents divorced in 1974 but they were on good terms and the needs of Grub remained central for them.

He still remains in Tanzania where he works and brings up his family. He is married to Maria and has three children Angel, Merlin, and Nick. His main focus has been family and he has remained more or less uninvolved in the media even though his mother was famous.

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

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