From the forests of Tanzania to the streets of Hollywood, tributes have poured in for Jane Goodall, after the global conservation icon died on Wednesday morning at age 91.
Goodall passed away peacefully in her sleep from natural causes, the Jane Goodall Institute confirmed in a statement.
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Known for her integral research work on chimpanzees in the 1960s, Goodall revolutionized the science of primates and transformed humans’ understanding of their closest biological relatives.
The British primatologist is also remembered for being a vocal environmental activist, doing the groundwork until her final days. In a TIME interview in 2021, Goodall said: “I’m about to leave the world and leave it behind me with all the mess, whereas young people have to grow up into it. That’s why they need every bit of help they can.”
Read More: Jane Goodall’s Message of Hope Lives On
Goodall’s work has earned her recognition across the globe: she was awarded the U.S.’s Presidential Medal of Freedom, the country’s highest civilian honor, earlier this year and was appointed by the United Nations in 2002 to be a Messenger of Peace—becoming one of a handful of such honorees worldwide.
Former President Joe Biden, who conferred the Medal of Freedom on Goodall, posted on X that he and former First Lady Jill Biden were “deeply saddened” over her passing, lauding how her “activism, vision, and message of hope mobilized a global movement to protect the planet.”
“Jane taught us that when we search for humanity in the natural world around us, we discover it within ourselves,” the former U.S. President said.
U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres, meanwhile, expressed gratitude for Goodall’s “lifelong environmental protection efforts and her strong support for the [United Nations].” In his Instagram tribute, Guterres said: “She is leaving an extraordinary legacy for humanity and our planet.”
Activists, philanthropists call Goodall a ‘hero’
Goodall’s death has reverberated particularly in the communities she was prominent in, such as those focused on animal and environmental conservation efforts.
Ingrid Newkirk, who founded the animal welfare advocacy group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), celebrated Goodall’s “long and fine life” and remembered her as “a gifted scientist and trailblazer who forever changed the way we view our fellow animals.” Newkirk remembered how Goodall helped PETA in several campaigns, including stopping UPS from shipping animal trophies and calling for the closure of marine theme park SeaWorld. “She leaves behind an extraordinary legacy, and we encourage everyone to follow in her animal-respecting footsteps,” Newkirk said.
“Jane Goodall’s legacy will be forever celebrated,” Tierra Curry, co-director of the Center for Biological Diversity’s endangered species initiative, said in a statement. “She died with a hammer in her hands, spreading good in the world, having inspired millions of people to take action on behalf of all that is wild and beautiful. She overcame obstacles, broke gender barriers, and made a career in conservation seem within reach for women and girls around the world. She was an amazing force for nature, and now we need to carry her mantle on.”
Kitty Block, president and CEO of Humane World for Animals, said in a statement that Goodall “made history by inspiring generations of people to love animals and to care deeply about their welfare.” Block added: “Goodall’s influence on the animal protection community is immeasurable, and her work on behalf of primates and all animals will never be forgotten.”
Audrey Azoulay, director general of the U.N. Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), posted on X that Goodall “was able to convey the lessons of her research to everyone, especially young people.” Azoulay added: “Her chimpanzee greetings at @UNESCO last year—she who so strongly supported our work for the biosphere—will echo for years to come.”
Several billionaires also honored Goodall for her work. Melinda French Gates, a noted philanthropist, remembered Goodall on X as “an extraordinarily powerful advocate, inspiring young people all over the world to stay curious, compassionate, and committed to building a brighter future for people, animals, and the environment. What a force she was.” Tim Cook, CEO of Apple, described Goodall on X as “a groundbreaking scientist and leader who taught us all so much about the beauty and wonder of our world.”
Former New York Mayor Mike Bloomberg posted on X that it “was an honor to have [Goodall] alongside us just last week”—referring to her September participation in the Bloomberg Philanthropies Global Forum—“to share with leaders a message that is more urgent than ever.” Goodall’s attendance at the event was one of the last things she did before her passing.
Maria Shriver, a journalist, philanthropist, and former First Lady of California who awarded Goodall the Minerva Award in 2009 to recognize her extraordinary contributions to society, posted a tribute to Goodall on Instagram after her passing: “I admired her, learned from her, and was so honored to get to spend time with her over the years. She stayed at her mission and on her mission. She changed the world and the lives of everyone she impacted. The world lost one of its best today, and I lost somone[sic] I adored.”
José Andrés, the Spanish-American restaurateur who founded global food relief charity World Central Kitchen, also took to Instagram to pay tribute to Goodall, calling her “the wisest and most compassionate person I’ve ever met.” Andrés said that Goodall wrote to him just this weekend about what she could do to alleviate the suffering in conflict-stricken areas like Gaza and Ukraine. “She could make anybody feel hopeful about the future, no matter the hardships of the present,” Andrés said. “She was my hero, my inspiration. I will miss her every single day.”
Goodall leaves lasting impression on Hollywood
Goodall’s work also inspired Hollywood stars. Fellow U.N. Messenger of Peace Leonardo DiCaprio, in a lengthy Instagram tribute to Goodall, honored the late conservationist and her dedication to environmental causes. DiCaprio and Goodall collaborated on projects like the upcoming film Howl, which they both served as executive producers for.
“Today we have lost a true hero for the planet, an inspiration to millions, and a dear friend,” DiCaprio said. “For decades, Jane traveled the world with tireless energy, awakening generations to the wonder of the natural world. She spoke directly to the next generation, instilling hope, responsibility, and the belief that every individual can make a difference. She inspired millions to care, to act, and to hope. She never stopped.”
DiCaprio extended his deepest condolences to Goodall’s family and urged others to support the Jane Goodall Institute and other conservation groups to prolong her legacy.
“My last message to Jane was simple: ‘You are my hero.’ Now, we all must carry the torch for her in protecting our one shared home.”
Another U.N. Messenger of Peace, actor Michael Douglas, offered a brief but heartfelt tribute. “RIP to my fellow UN Messenger of Peace, Dr. Jane Goodall,” Douglas posted on Instagram. “Her legacy will forever be remembered for her unwavering dedication to our planet. My deepest condolences to the Goodall family.”
Comedian Ellen DeGeneres posted on Instagram a segment of her former show Ellen in which she interviewed then-85-year-old Goodall in 2019. “Thank you Jane for all the good you’ve done,” DeGeneres said. “You broke barriers for women all over the world.”
Jon Stewart, who also previously had Goodall as a guest when he still hosted The Daily Show more than a decade ago, wrote on X: “Jane Goodall was just the best…damn.”
Jane Fonda, an actor and outspoken activist, posted on Instagram that her “heart breaks” over the news of Goodall’s passing. Fonda had interviewed Goodall for Interview Magazine in 2016. The two exchanged perspectives on activism, environmental challenges, and personal philosophy. “I loved her very much,” Fonda said on Instagram. “I think the best way we can honor her life is to treat the earth and all its beings like our family, with love and respect.”
Mia Farrow, another actor-activist, called Goodall “a magnificent inspiration.”
In October 2024, actress and comedian Julia Louis-Dreyfus featured Goodall as the premiere guest for the third season of her podcast “Wiser Than Me.” When Goodall passed, Dreyfus posted on Instagram that Goodall “was a force for what is true and what is good. I am so blessed and so grateful to have crossed paths with this wise giant.”
Prince Harry, who was reportedly exceptionally close to Goodall, issued a joint statement with his wife, Meghan Markle, after news of Goodall’s death. “Dr. Jane Goodall DBE was a visionary humanitarian, scientist, friend to the planet, and friend to us,” the royal couple said in a statement obtained by People magazine. “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.”
Politicians honor Goodall’s ‘remarkable ability to inspire’
Besides Biden, other former U.S. Presidents also honored Goodall. Barack Obama paid tribute to her on X, saying that she “had a remarkable ability to inspire us to connect with the natural wonders of our world,” and he lauded how her work on primates and conservation “opened doors for generations of women in science.” Obama added: “Michelle and I are thinking of all those who loved and admired her.”
Former President Bill Clinton posted that Goodall, who worked with the Clinton Foundation as recently as last year, “not only taught us about the world around us, but about ourselves and our responsibility to protect the planet. The best tribute we can pay her is to redouble our efforts to defend the environment, so that all life on Earth can truly share the future.”
Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton posted her own statement on Instagram alongside a picture with Goodall. “For over 60 years, Jane Goodall was a force for research about our precious planet—and climate change action to protect it—while breaking glass ceilings along the way,” Clinton said. “I’ll so miss her courage and commitment to help expand what we know about our world and preserve it for the generations to come.”
Sen. Cory Booker (D, N.J.), a longtime climate justice advocate who appeared on Goodall’s podcast “Hopecast” in 2022, posted on X: “Thank you Jane Goodall for a lasting legacy of conservation, service to all of us, and for always being brave.”
California Gov. Gavin Newsom, also a Democrat, paid tribute to Goodall in a joint statement with his partner Jennifer, calling Goodall a “global legend,” a “towering inspiration,” and a “cherished friend.” They added: “Jane’s curiosity, strength, and kindness changed the world, and inspired countless people and bridged countries and cultures in pursuit of a better future.” Under Newsom, California’s Climate Action Corps committed to planting 90,000 trees and native plants across the state to honor Goodall’s 90th birthday last year.
Across the border, Canada’s politicians also eulogized Goodall. Prime Minister Mark Carney called Goodall a “tireless guardian of nature” whose advocacy “inspired generations,” while his predecessor Justin Trudeau posted that he was “heartbroken” to hear of Goodall’s passing and said that “her wisdom and compassion will live on in every act of conservation.”
And from Tanzania, the East African country where Goodall’s groundbreaking research on chimpanzees began, President Samia Suluhu called Goodall a “friend” of the country. “Dr. Goodall’s pioneering work at Gombe National Park transformed wildlife conservation, and placed our country at the heart of global efforts to protect chimpanzees and nature,” Suluhu posted on X. “Her legacy will live on.”