Introduction

In the quiet moments of the moving funeral of Jane Goodall, three young faces stood prominently: her grandchildren — Merlin van Lawick, Angel van Lawick and Nick van Lawick. Their presence at the service, attended by the likes of Leonardo DiCaprio and marked by touching tributes, suddenly placed them in the spotlight. While the global stage focused on Jane Goodall’s passing and her cause of death, today we turn our attention to her grandchildren — their upbringing, family ties, and how they’re carrying forward the legacy of a woman who changed the world.

Who They Are

Merlin, Angel and Nick van Lawick are the grandchildren of acclaimed primatologist Jane Goodall. Their father, Hugo Eric Louis van Lawick (known as “Grub”), was the only child of Jane and her first husband, Baron Hugo van Lawick. Although public details about their dates of birth remain sparse, the trio grew up in an environment steeped in conservation, wildlife photography and the heritage of one of the most influential scientists of our time. Recently, the funeral of Jane Goodall—where Leonardo DiCaprio and rescue-dogs joined a world-wide tribute—placed Merlin, Angel and Nick momentarily into the public eye. The trend of honoring Jane’s passing provides the context, but it is their story, not the headline, that we now explore.

Early Life & Childhood

Merlin, Angel and Nick grew up in a world almost defined by their grandmother’s work. Raised with stories of chimpanzees, research expeditions to Tanzania’s Gombe Stream National Park, and a mother-figure who taught compassion for all creatures, their childhood was far from ordinary. Rather than tabloids and red-carpets, their home-life included field trips, environmental storytelling and the idea that science and service belonged together. Family photos show Jane laughing with her grandchildren on safari-style outings, sharing tea, and encouraging curiosity. The foundation of their upbringing was less about celebrity and more about purpose.

Family Background, Parents & Siblings

Their father Hugo “Grub” van Lawick followed the artistic path of his father (wildlife photographer Hugo van Lawick) and the scientific path of his mother, Jane. The grandchildren were raised alongside one another, bonded not only by blood but by mission. Although public records do not fully detail each sibling’s personal life, their shared connection to Jane Goodall and the van Lawick legacy gave them a unique platform. The night of Jane’s funeral became a symbolic moment — rescue dogs lining the grounds, Leonardo DiCaprio in attendance, and Merlin, Angel and Nick standing quietly as tributes poured in. It signalled the transition from one generation to the next.

Education

Given their backgrounds, Merlin, Angel and Nick are likely educated in environments that value both academic learning and environmental stewardship. While their specific schools or degrees are not publicly disclosed, the influence of their grandmother — who emphasised education, hands-on experience and youth empowerment through Roots & Shoots — suggests their upbringing emphasised values over accolades. They represent a next-generation that inherits not just a name, but a purpose.

Career or Profession

At this stage, each of the grandchildren is still forging their own path. Some sources mention their involvement in conservation projects, photography, or environmental outreach — natural extensions of their heritage. The current trend of Jane Goodall’s passing brings renewed attention to how her legacy will be carried forward. While Jane died of natural causes in California at the age of 91, reportedly from cardiac arrest with epilepsy noted as a contributing condition, the grandchildren now face the question: how will they define their own legacies beyond the weight of a name?

Connection to the Celebrity

Merlin, Angel and Nick stand at the intersection of heritage and responsibility. Their grandmother — Jane Goodall — made history through her chimpanzee research and global advocacy. Her death at 91 due to natural causes set off a wave of global tributes, including those from Leonardo DiCaprio and the gathering of her family at the funeral. The van Lawick grandchildren did not seek the spotlight, yet their presence links them to a narrative of continuity — a lineage of science, art and compassion that the world now watches.

Personal Life / Relationships

While private, Merlin, Angel and Nick are publicly acknowledged as Jane Goodall’s three grandchildren. Their father Hugo is a key link in this chain, and the family’s narrative remains grounded in the values Jane taught: respect for nature, curiosity, activism. Net worth or public ventures for the grandchildren are not listed — their relevance comes from identity, not income. They carry a quiet weight of expectation and possibility.

Interesting Facts

1. Jane Goodall’s funeral included rescue dogs and an appearance by Leonardo DiCaprio, underlining her bond with animals and celebrity respect.

2. Jane’s cause of death was listed as natural causes while on a speaking tour; her death certificate cited cardiac arrest with epilepsy as contributing condition.

3. Merlin, Angel and Nick’s grandfather (Hugo van Lawick) was a renowned wildlife photographer who documented chimpanzees for National Geographic.

4. Jane Goodall’s famous Roots & Shoots youth program influenced generations — her grandchildren now stand as part of that next generation.

5. At Jane’s funeral, the presence of Leonardo DiCaprio highlighted the cross-industry respect she earned — from science to Hollywood.

 

Recent News / Updates

The passing of Jane Goodall on October 1, 2025, at age 91 of natural causes triggered a global outpouring of grief and reflection. Multiple news outlets confirmed the cause of death as natural causes during a speaking tour in California. Rescue dogs and celebrities attended her funeral, where Merlin, Angel and Nick van Lawick stood as family representatives of her living legacy. 
While the trend of tributes and headlines surrounds Jane, the personal story of her grandchildren is quietly advancing — their future now tethered to a legacy of change.

Conclusion

Merlin, Angel and Nick van Lawick embody the living extension of Jane Goodall’s life-work. Their names may just be emerging in public view, but their heritage is profound: science, art, activism, family. As the world remembers Jane’s passing and honours her cause of death and final tribute, the real story moves forward through her grandchildren. Their path will be different, yet rooted in the same love for nature and humanity that defined their grandmother’s extraordinary life.

FAQ

Q1: Who are Merlin, Angel and Nick van Lawick?
A: They are the three grandchildren of Jane Goodall. Their father is Hugo van Lawick, and they bear family ties to both science and art.

Q2: What is their connection to Jane Goodall’s funeral trend?
A: At Jane’s October 1, 2025 funeral, attended by Leonardo DiCaprio and featuring rescue dogs, Merlin, Angel and Nick appeared alongside family and the global spotlight on their grandmother.

Q3: What was the cause of death of Jane Goodall?
A: Jane Goodall died at age 91 from natural causes while on a speaking tour in California; cardiac arrest was listed, with epilepsy noted as a contributing condition.

Q4: Are Merlin, Angel and Nick in the public eye now?
A: While the grandchildren keep private profiles, the trend of Jane Goodall’s passing has brought renewed attention to their family and what they may carry forward.

Q5: What is their legacy?
A: Their legacy isn’t yet defined by public achievements — but by the values of conservation, creativity and compassion inherited from their grandmother.