Introduction
To many, Jane Goodall is a legend of primatology and conservation. But as her story advances, the next generation steps forward. Angel van Lawick is one of her grandchildren, a young woman quietly carving her own path in conservation, volunteerism, and environmental advocacy. Her work may be under the radar, but her link to Jane’s legacy gives it weight.
Early Life and Background

Angel van Lawick is the daughter of Hugo “Grub” van Lawick (Jane Goodall’s only son) and his wife Maria. She was raised largely in Tanzania, immersed in conservation culture, with frequent exposure to her grandmother’s work and mission.
From a young age, she joined projects and programs associated with Roots & Shoots, Jane Goodall’s youth initiative, visiting and supporting grassroots environmental efforts. She has traveled internationally to volunteer and connect with young conservationists.
Family, Parents, and Siblings

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Father: Hugo Eric Louis van Lawick (“Grub”)
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Mother: Maria van Lawick
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Siblings: Two brothers, Merlin van Lawick (who is active in conservation) and Nick van Lawick (filmmaker, creative professional)
The van Lawick-Goodall family is one of storytellers, conservationists, and creatives. Angel’s upbringing was shaped by that legacy, in Tanzania, in stories of chimpanzees, in visits to Roots & Shoots clubs, and in the quiet expectations of a granddaughter of one of the world’s most famous scientists.
Education

Specifics about Angel’s formal education are scarce in public records. However, past interviews and media reports mention that she studied at St. Constantine’s International School in Arusha, Tanzania.
After high school, she traveled to the U.S. to volunteer with wildlife rescue organizations (e.g. Sonoma County Wildlife Rescue). That suggests a mix of local schooling and international exposure focused on environmental work and global citizenship.
Career or Profession
Angel van Lawick’s public roles are modest but meaningful:
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She volunteers with wildlife rescue centers, particularly in California, working to care for orphaned or injured animals, barn owls, raccoons, squirrels, and more.
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As part of Roots & Shoots, she has visited and connected youth programs in different regions, helping them build environmental and community projects.
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She sometimes serves as a “Roots & Shoots Reporter,” traveling to clubs worldwide, sharing stories, building community, and inspiring youth engagement.
She is not (as of now) known to hold a formal position in a conservation institute, but her activism and volunteer work suggest she’s building toward that.
Relationship or Personal Life
Angel maintains a relatively private personal life. She has occasionally shared insights about her connection to her grandmother, noting Jane never pushed her grandchildren into any path, but instead encouraged hope and allowed them to choose their own direction.
She told a media outlet that Jane would say, “never lose hope… if you really want to do something, go ahead and do it.” That philosophy seems to guide Angel’s approach: gentle, intentional, self-directed.
Net Worth
No credible public sources list Angel van Lawick’s net worth. As a young volunteer/advocate, her value is best measured by impact, not finances. Being part of a legacy family may afford opportunities, but her public footprint suggests she hasn’t pursued wealth or fame as an end.
Interesting Facts

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Angel volunteered at Sonoma County Wildlife Rescue in California, rescuing orphaned owlets and other small animals.
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She visited Roots & Shoots clubs globally, acting as a bridge between youth activism and her grandmother’s legacy.
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Her grandmother Jane affirmed that she doesn’t force her grandchildren into conservation, yet Angel appears drawn to it anyway.
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Angel has a presence on social media platforms (e.g. X/Twitter) as “@angelvanlawick,” identifying herself as granddaughter to Jane Goodall and wildlife/Roots & Shoots reporter.
Social Media Presence
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On X (formerly Twitter), Angel identifies herself as granddaughter to Jane Goodall and as a Roots & Shoots reporter.
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On YouTube, she operates a channel under “Angel Van Lawick,” describing her as granddaughter of Dr. Jane Goodall and documenting her visits to Roots & Shoots clubs worldwide.
Recent News or Updates

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With Jane Goodall’s death in October 2025, remembrances mention Angel as one of three grandchildren continuing her legacy.
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In media coverage after Jane’s passing, Angel is often listed alongside Merlin and Nick in family references about how the next generation will carry forward her work.
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Reports emphasize her role in youth activism and wildlife rescue in small but heartfelt ways, rescuing owlets, supporting grassroots efforts, and staying connected to her grandmother’s founding work.
Why Angel van Lawick Matters
Angel van Lawick is a quiet but alive thread in the tapestry of Jane Goodall’s legacy. She represents a generation less about fame and more about grassroots impact. Her volunteering, youth engagement, and connection to Roots & Shoots show that legacy isn’t about repeating footsteps, it’s about weaving them forward, personally meaningful, and responsive to the times.
Angel demonstrates that the power of a name lies not only in what’s inherited but in how it’s lived.
FAQ
Q: Who is Angel van Lawick?
A: Angel van Lawick is the granddaughter of Jane Goodall. She volunteers with wildlife rescue, works with Roots & Shoots, and helps carry on her grandmother’s conservation mission.
Q: What has Angel van Lawick done publicly?
A: She volunteered with Sonoma County Wildlife Rescue, visited Roots & Shoots clubs globally as a reporter, and participates in youth-led environmental engagement.
Q: Did her grandmother influence her path?
A: Jane Goodall intentionally did not force her grandchildren into conservation, but Angel has often credited her grandmother’s encouragement and vision as directional in her life.
Q: Does Angel van Lawick hold a formal role in Jane Goodall’s institute?
A: Not publicly known. Her work is currently more grassroots, volunteer-oriented, and public-facing rather than institutional.
Q: How is Angel connected with her brothers?
A: Angel is sister to Merlin van Lawick (active in conservation and communications) and Nick van Lawick (creative professional). Together, they represent the new generation of the Goodall-van Lawick legacy.
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