London, Oct 2(HS): Dame Jane Goodall, the trailblazing primatologist whose groundbreaking work transformed science’s understanding of chimpanzees and inspired global conservation movements, has died at the age of 91 on Wednesday.

Her institute confirmed she passed away of natural causes in California while on a lecture tour. Tributes poured in worldwide, with leaders, scientists, and environmentalists honoring her legacy.

Former US President Barack Obama hailed her as someone who “opened doors for generations of women in science,” while actor Leonardo DiCaprio called her “a true hero for the planet.”

Born in London in 1934, Goodall defied traditional expectations when she arrived in Tanzania in 1960 under the mentorship of Louis Leakey. There, she made the revolutionary discovery that chimpanzees use tools, a finding that overturned long-held beliefs about human uniqueness. She also revealed the primates’ rich social and emotional lives — insights that challenged the skepticism of contemporary male scientists.

Across her career, Goodall blended scientific inquiry with activism. She campaigned against the exploitation of animals in laboratories and zoos, became a fierce advocate for climate action, and founded the Jane Goodall Institute in 1977 to advance conservation and community empowerment.

In recognition of her contributions, she received the US Presidential Medal of Freedom earlier this year.Goodall’s life was marked by tireless global travel, with her once noting she had not slept in the same bed for more than three weeks since 1986. Even late in life, she remained active; just last week, she appeared in New York for a live event and was scheduled for another in California this week.

The United Nations, Greenpeace, and PETA celebrated her legacy as both a scientist and moral force. UN Secretary General António Guterres called her a “Messenger of Peace” whose voice drew global attention to environmental urgency.

Prince Harry and Meghan remembered her as a “visionary humanitarian and friend to the planet.”Naturalist Chris Packham described her as “revolutionary” and emphasized the deep loss: “To have lost a hero at a time when we need all of them on the frontline fighting for life on earth is a tragedy.”

Goodall herself often framed her mission in terms of future generations. Asked what sustained her in 2024, she said: “Surely people want a future for their children.”

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar