Key points
- Global tributes honour her enduring legacy
- Redefined humanity through chimpanzee research
- UN, leaders praise her humanitarian work
LONDON: World leaders and environmental advocates paid tribute to renowned British chimpanzee expert Jane Goodall after she died at the age of 91.
Goodall, the pioneering primatologist, transformed humanity’s understanding of the animal kingdom with her groundbreaking study of wild chimpanzees in Tanzania. Over a career spanning more than six decades, she became one of the world’s leading voices for wildlife conservation and environmental protection.
Here’s how her death has been received:
‘Forever celebrated’
Jane Goodall’s most celebrated scientific contribution came in 1960, when she began observing wild chimpanzees at Gombe Stream National Park in Tanzania. There, she made the groundbreaking discovery that chimpanzees not only use tools but also make them — stripping leaves from twigs to extract termites from mounds. This finding challenged the long-held belief that tool-making was a uniquely human trait, transforming the way scientists understood the boundary between humans and other primates. Her meticulous field studies also revealed the rich emotional and social lives of chimpanzees, deepening knowledge of primate behavior and human evolution.
“Jane Goodall’s legacy will be forever celebrated,” Tierra Curry, codirector of the Centre for Biological Diversity’s endangered species program, told the media.
“She overcame obstacles, broke gender barriers, and made a career in conservation seem within reach for women and girls around the world,” Curry added, reports AFP.
‘Messenger of Peace’
Building on her research, Goodall devoted much of her life to conservation and advocacy. She founded the Jane Goodall Institute in 1977 to support wildlife research, community-led conservation, and environmental education. Through her global youth program, Roots & Shoots, she has inspired generations to protect animals, people, and the planet. Recognized worldwide as one of the most influential conservationists of the 20th century, Goodall has received numerous honors, including being named a UN Messenger of Peace, which has cemented her legacy as both a pioneering scientist and a tireless advocate for environmental stewardship.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said on X that Goodall leaves an “extraordinary legacy for humanity & our planet.” “I’m deeply saddened to learn about the passing of Jane Goodall, our dear Messenger of Peace,” he added, referencing the honorary position Goodall held since 2002 at the global body for her conservation work.
‘Enduring legacy’
“A powerful voice for the natural world and a tireless humanitarian, Jane’s groundbreaking discovery that chimpanzees make and use tools fundamentally redefined what it means to be human,” National Geographic said in a statement.
“Her work left an enduring legacy worldwide, encouraging people to choose hope over despair.”
‘Conservation giant’
Greenpeace UK’s co-executive director Will McCallum described Goodall as “one of the true conservation giants of our time.”
“It’s now incumbent upon all of us to honour her legacy by continuing the fight to protect the world’s forests.”
‘Pioneering work’
The president of Tanzania, where Goodall studied chimpanzees, said her “pioneering work at Gombe National Park transformed wildlife conservation.”
That research “placed our country at the heart of global efforts to protect chimpanzees and nature,” President Samia Suluhu wrote on X.
UK Prince Harry and wife Meghan hailed Goodall as a “visionary humanitarian, scientist, friend to the planet, and friend to us.”
“Her commitment to changing lives extends beyond what the world saw, and also to what we personally felt.”
‘Immeasurable influence’
Kitty Block, president and CEO of Humane World for Animals, said that Goodall “made history by inspiring generations of people to love animals and to care deeply about their welfare.”
“Goodall’s influence on the animal protection community is immeasurable, and her work on behalf of primates and all animals will never be forgotten.”
‘Trailblazer’
“A long and fine life led. Jane Goodall was a gifted scientist and trailblazer who forever changed the way we view our fellow animals,” said PETA Founder Ingrid Newkirk.
“She leaves behind an extraordinary legacy, and we encourage everyone to follow in her animal-respecting footsteps, starting with going vegan.”
‘Fruitful research’
“Dr Jane Goodall was able to share the fruits of her research with everyone, especially the youngest, and to change our view of great apes,” Audrey Azoulay, director general of UNESCO, told the media.
