Environmentalists, activists and future scientists around the globe are mourning the loss of Jane Goodall — a legend in the world conservation and animal research — who has died at the age of 91.
They're paying tribute to the trailblazing British primatologist, whose study of chimpanzees in the wild opened the world's eyes to understanding one of humankind's closest primate relatives.
And she did so at a time when few women were seen at the forefront of scientific research.
She was a pioneer for girls and women who wanted to become scientists, said British Columbia-based wildlife biologist Alexandra Morton.
"Jane Goodall just opened the door to my entire life," she told BC Today host Michelle Elliot Tuesday afternoon. "When I was a young girl there were no women scientist [role] models."
Morton said seeing Goodall on the cover of National Geographic made her realize that she could pursue her own passion for animals as an adult.
Education and conservation organizations celebrated her groundbreaking work on social media after her Jane Goodall Institute broke the news of her death, from natural causes, on Tuesday.
On Instagram, National Geographic, which has profiled Goodall and her work many times over the years, shared a series of photos taken throughout her long career.
"Goodall's decades of research into the lives of wild chimpanzees in Africa radically changed our understanding of these intelligent apes, humans' closest relatives," read the caption on the photo gallery.
National Geographic shared a photo gallery from Goodall's groundbreaking career working with wild chimpanzees in Africa and educating about the importance of conservation and protecting biodiversity. (National Geographic/Instagram)Tanzania research began in 1960She began her research in Tanzania in 1960 went on lead conservation initiatives around the world and established the Jane Goodall Institute in 1977.
The organization's Canadian arm said, "She inspired curiosity, hope and compassion in countless people around the world, and paved the way for many others — particularly young people who gave her hope for the future."
LISTEN | Goodall talks about staying hopeful, in last CBC interview:The Sunday Magazine23:47Amid climate and political instability, Jane Goodall keeps her hope for our planet alive
In her later years, she strived to educate and encourage children and young people to become the next generation of advocates for nature and the planet.
That work included inspiring students here in Canada through her Roots & Shoots program, as well as working with communities to protect their local ecosystems.
Greater Sudbury Mayor Paul Lefebvre celebrated the connection she developed with the community and expressed his deepest condolences.
"Dr. Goodall's connection to Greater Sudbury was rooted in shared values of resilience and renewal. She saw in our city a powerful symbol of environmental recovery, a place that transformed from barren rock to vibrant green through decades of regreening efforts," Lefebvre wrote in a Facebook post.
He recounted how she personally helped open the Jane Goodall Reclamation Trail, in May 2002, and joined in planting the region's 10 millionth tree.
"She believed our story was one of hope, and she made sure the world knew it," he wrote, recalling her most recent visit to the regions was for the premiere of the documentary Jane Goodall: Reasons for Hope, produced by Sudbury's Science North.
WATCH | The trailer for Jane Goodall: Reasons for Hope:
Legacy lives onFormer prime minister Justin Trudeau shared a photo of himself planting Sudbury's 10 millionth tree with Goodall, in July 2022, expressing that he was "heartbroken" to hear of her death.
"She was a pioneer whose research and advocacy reshaped our understanding of the natural world.... All of us who were so greatly inspired by her will miss her deeply," he said in a post on X.
In a post on X, former prime minister Justin Trudeau shared a photo of himself planting a tree with Goodall in Sudbury, Ont., in 2022. (Adam Scotti/Justin Trudeau/X)Prime Minister Mark Carney honoured her legacy on Tuesday, saying on X that she was "a tireless guardian of nature."
"Dr. Jane Goodall changed the way we understand animals — and our own humanity. Her advocacy inspired generations and her research revolutionized the field of biology. Her legacy lives on through every life she fought to protect. May she rest in peace, and may we take up her torch."
Former U.S. president Joe Biden, who presented Goodall with the Presidential Medal of Freedom before he left office in January, said he and former first lady Jill Biden were "deeply saddened" to learn of her death.
The official X account for the United Nations shared a post mourning Goodall, who was also named a UN Messenger of Peace, for having "worked tirelessly for our planet and all its inhabitants, leaving an extraordinary legacy for humanity and nature."
UN Secretary General António Guterres wrote she leaves behind "and extraordinary legacy for humanity and our planet."
Chef José Andrés, founder of the humanitarian organization World Central Kitchen, called her the "wisest and most compassionate person I've ever met."
"Just this weekend, she wrote to let me know she was thinking about what she could do to alleviate all of the suffering in Gaza, in Ukraine, in Sudan and beyond. She was my hero, my inspiration. I will miss her every single day," he wrote on Instagram.
Celebrity chef and humanitarian José Andrés mourned Goodall on Instagram, calling her his hero. (José Andrés/Instagram)Stars honoured to share moments with GoodallMany entertainment industry figures expressed gratitude for having the opportunity to interact with Goodall over the years.
Canadian singer, actress and activist Jann Arden said on Instagram that "the world has lost one of its last great protectors."
"Planet Earth will remember you forever, dear Jane," wrote Arden, who interviewed Goodall on stage in April when she visited Vancouver as a part of her speaking tour.
WATCH | Arden remembers 'extraordinary' Goodall: Singer-songwriter Jann Arden reflects on the legacy of Jane Goodall, the conservationist and chimpanzee researcher who died Tuesday at the age of 91. Arden, who interviewed Goodall twice in recent years, called her 'one of the world's last great protectors.'Emmy-winning actress and Veep star Julia Louis-Dreyfus, who interviewed Goodall on her podcast Wiser Than Me, called her a "force for what is true and what is good" in a tribute posted on Instagram.
Actress Mia Farrow heralded Goodall's devotion to chimpanzees and other primates, as well as the well-being of the planet.
"She has been a magnificent inspiration. thank you Jane Goodall," she wrote on Instagram.
Jon Stewart, host of The Daily Show, said simply she "was just the best."
WATCH | Wildlife biologist on Goodall's legacy:BC Today host Michelle Elliot speaks with B.C. wildlife biologist Alexandra Morton about the influence and legacy of conservationist Jane Goodall, dead at 91. Morton, a whale biologist and author, says Goodall was seen as "a guiding light" for her and women in science.