Joe Biden and Barack Obama lead tributes to Jane Goodall as primatologist dies at 91
Many politicians and celebrities have paid tribute to primatologist Jane Goodall after the English zoologist and anthropologist tragically died at the age of 91
Several high-profile figures, including former Presidents Joe Biden and Barack Obama, have paid tribute to Jane Goodall after the conservationist died aged 91.
The English zoologist and anthropologist became a beloved household name who transcended generations through her appearances in documentaries and on television, as well as her travels to address packed auditoriums around the world. The Jane Goodall Institute announced the primatologist's death in an Instagram post on Wednesday.
The institute said Dame Jane died of natural causes while in California on a US speaking tour, adding that her discoveries "revolutionized science, and she was a tireless advocate for the protection and restoration of our natural world." Several people have now paid tribute to the late conservationist, including Prince Harry and Meghan Markle who described her as a "friend to the planet."
In their tribute, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex lovingly recalled how Dame Jane cradled their son, Prince Archie, as a newborn infant and "showered love and care to those who were privileged to know her." Harry and Meghan said, "Dr Jane Goodall DBE was 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. 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."
Former President Biden, who awarded her the Presidential Medal of Freedom just before he left office, shared a tribute to Dame Jane on X, praising her "activism, vision, and message of hope." He posted, "Jill and I are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Jane Goodall whose activism, vision, and message of hope mobilized a global movement to protect the planet.
"Above all, Jane taught us that when we search for humanity in the natural world around us, we discover it within ourselves. We are sending our love and strength to the Goodall family and everyone who was touched by her remarkable life of service."
Obama also issued a moving statement on social media, saying, "Jane Goodall had a remarkable ability to inspire us to connect with the natural wonders of our world, and her groundbreaking work on primates and the importance of conservation opened doors for generations of women in science. Michelle and I are thinking of all those who loved and admired her."
Another tribute came from former President Bill Clinton who wrote on Facebook, "Jane Goodall 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. She will be missed."
Leonardo DiCaprio also shared an emotional tribute in which he described the environmental advocate as his "hero." He posted on Facebook, "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. ... 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."
Environmentalist and nature broadcaster Chris Packham said during an interview, "She's used her voice calmly and in a dedicated fashion to speak up for life on Earth against all of the threats that it faces. And in many ways, Jane just died on the job. The job that her life became. And that was protecting life on Earth."
Journalist Maria Shriver called Dame Jane a "legendary figure and a friend," while PETA founder Ingrid Newkirk said she "forever changed the way we view our fellow animals." While living among chimpanzees in Africa decades ago, Dame Jane documented them doing activities previously believed to be exclusive to humans. Her observations and subsequent magazine and documentary appearances in the 1960s transformed how the world perceived not only humans' closest living biological relatives but also the emotional and social complexity of all animals, while propelling her into the public consciousness.
"Out there in nature by myself, when you're alone, you can become part of nature and your humanity doesn't get in the way," she told The Associated Press in 2021. "It's almost like an out-of-body experience when suddenly you hear different sounds and you smell different smells and you're actually part of this amazing tapestry of life."
She had been scheduled to meet with students and teachers on Wednesday to launch the planting of 5,000 trees around wildfire burn zones in the Los Angeles area. Organizers learned of her death as the event was to begin at EF Academy in Pasadena, said spokesperson Shawna Marino.
The first tree was planted in Dame Jane's name after a moment of silence. "I don't think there's any better way to honor her legacy than having a thousand children gathered for her," Marino said.
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