British conservationist and primatologist Dame Jane Goodall, known for her pioneering studies of chimpanzees, has died aged 91.
A post on her institute’s Instagram page said she died peacefully in her sleep on Wednesday morning while in Los Angeles for a speaking tour.
“Dr Goodall’s discoveries as an ethologist revolutionised science, and she was a tireless advocate for the protection and restoration of our natural world,” said the post.
Goodall with husband Hugo van lawick in 1974. Pic: AP
Naturalist Chris Packham told Sky News that Dame Jane was a “remarkable woman” and in many ways “she died on the job” after spending much of her life campaigning on conservation issues.
Greenpeace remembered her as “one of the true conservation giants of our time” who inspired “millions”.
The United Nations said she left an “extraordinary legacy for humanity and nature”.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex described her as “a visionary humanitarian, scientist, friend to the planet, and friend to us”.
They said: “Her commitment to changing lives extends beyond what the world saw, and also to what we personally felt. She held our son, Archie, when he was first born, and showered love and care to those who were privileged to know her. She will be deeply missed.”
Others paying tribute on social media include former Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau, Melinda Gates and Michael Bloomberg.
Dame Jane began her research at 26, observing chimpanzees in east Africa and revealing their capability to engage in complex social behaviours.
She gave chimps names instead of numbers, observed their distinct personalities and their use of tools – previously thought to be exclusive to humans.
