The world may not know Hugo, but it certainly knows Dr. Jane Goodall as a pioneering primatologist and a relentless conservationist, a woman who redefined our relationship with the natural world. While her work with chimpanzees in Gombe is the stuff of legend, her personal life, particularly her role as a mother and grandmother, is a quieter but equally heartfelt part of her story. Her family lineage is carried forward by her only son, Hugo Eric Louis van Lawick, his wife, and their three children, who each, in their own way, reflect Jane’s enduring values and passion for the planet.
At the heart of this family story is Jane’s son, Hugo Eric Louis van Lawick, who has always been affectionately known by the nickname “Grub.” Born in 1967 to Jane and her first husband, the renowned wildlife filmmaker Baron Hugo van Lawick, Grub grew up immersed in the wild landscapes of Tanzania. Today, he leads a life largely away from the public spotlight, residing with his wife, Maria, in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
Together, they have built a family and share Jane’s family home, a compound along the shores of the Indian Ocean where they raised their three children. While Maria van Lawick has chosen to maintain a private life, her support has been a constant in a family deeply committed to environmental causes.
Today, the UN family mourns the loss of Dr. Jane Goodall.
The scientist, conservationist and UN Messenger of Peace worked tirelessly for our planet and all its inhabitants, leaving an extraordinary legacy for humanity and nature. pic.twitter.com/C0VMRdKufF
— United Nations (@UN) October 1, 2025
The Next Generation: Meet Hugo’s Kids—Merlin, Angel, and Nick
Jane Goodall‘s legacy finds vibrant and dynamic expression in her three grandchildren: Merlin, Angel, and Nick van Lawick. They have grown up not just with legendary stories but with a living example of compassion and dedication, and each is now carving their own path in line with the values their grandmother embodied.
Merlin van Lawick, the eldest grandson, has stepped directly into the world of conservation. He works for the Jane Goodall Institute (JGI) as part of the Communications & Partnerships team, focusing on African programs and science. Merlin has spoken about how his grandmother fostered a love of nature in him from a young age, reading books to him and his siblings and helping him understand our connection to all life. He is particularly involved with the Tacare program, JGI’s model for community-led conservation, and even co-authored a book on the subject. For Merlin, his grandmother represents hope, and he has joined her mission to inspire people to protect the future of our planet.
Angel van Lawick, their sister, has also shown a deep affinity for animal welfare. Her passion was evident from a young age; when she was 19, she volunteered at a wildlife rescue center in California, caring for orphaned owlets, raccoons, and other animals. She noted that her grandmother never pushed her into this work but instead offered encouragement, telling her to “never lose hope” and to pursue what she truly wanted to do. Angel’s close relationship with Jane was maintained through daily emails and regular visits, underscoring the strong family bonds that supported Jane’s global travels.
The youngest of the three, Nick van Lawick, has channeled his creativity into filmmaking and photography. Based in London, he works as a filmmaker, music video director, and visual artist. His career choice interestingly echoes the work of his grandfather, Hugo van Lawick Sr., who was a celebrated wildlife filmmaker, showcasing how the family’s artistic and documentary passions continue to evolve through the generations.
Through her son, her daughter-in-law, and her three remarkable grandchildren, Jane Goodall’s profound legacy is clearly in very good hands. It’s a legacy that continues not just through scientific discovery, but through family, shared values, and a collective commitment to making the world a better place for all its inhabitants.
