What Happened to Jane Goodall’s Son Grub? All About Hugo Eric Louis van Lawick

Los Angeles, October 2, 2025 – The world is mourning the loss of Jane Goodall, the legendary primatologist, who passed away at the age of 91 while on a speaking trip in Los Angeles. As tributes pour in, many are remembering her only son, Hugo Eric Louis van Lawick, affectionately known as “Grub.”

Who is Hugo Eric Louis van Lawick (Grub)?

Grub was born in 1967 in Nairobi, Kenya, to Jane Goodall and her first husband, wildlife photographer Baron Hugo van Lawick. His childhood was unique, growing up in the middle of his mother’s chimpanzee research in Gombe, Tanzania.

Childhood in the Wild

Jane Goodall often spoke about the challenges of raising her son while living in the African wilderness. When Grub was a baby, she famously built a protective cage-like structure to keep him safe from wild animals. She explained it was “like a giant cot,” ensuring her son could move safely while always being supervised.

Grub divided his childhood between England and Tanzania. He studied in England while staying with his grandmother, but spent holidays with Goodall in Africa. Jane once admitted that sending him to live in England was painful but necessary since she could no longer homeschool him.

Life After His Parents’ Divorce

Goodall and Hugo van Lawick divorced after ten years of marriage. Jane later admitted that the separation was difficult for Grub, though she believed it was ultimately the right decision. Despite the challenges, she remained deeply committed to his upbringing, drawing inspiration from chimpanzees like Flo, who showed her the value of unconditional maternal support.

Adult Life in Tanzania

As an adult, Grub chose a quieter life away from global fame. He settled in Tanzania, where he works as a boat builder. He is married to Maria, and together they have three children – Angel, Merlin, and Nick. According to reports, Grub lives near the Indian Ocean in Dar es Salaam, in a compound once shared by his mother and her second husband, Derek Bryceson, who passed away in 1980.

Remembering Jane Goodall’s Legacy

While Jane Goodall’s groundbreaking research changed the way the world understands chimpanzees, her most personal legacy lives on in her son and grandchildren. Grub continues to honor her memory by living close to the land she loved most — Africa.