Pioneering chimpanzee expert and zoologist Jane Goodall dies aged 91

TRAILBLAZING zoologist Dame Jane Goodall, known for her groundbreaking studies with chimpanzees, has died aged 91.

- By Steph Spyro

The famous primatologist passed away from “natural causes” yesterday in California, where she was on a speaking tour of the US.

A post on her Facebook page said: “The Jane Goodall Institute has learned this morning that Dr Jane Goodall DBE, UN Messenger of Peace and founder of the Jane Goodall Institute, has passed away due to natural causes.

“Dr Goodall’s discoveries as an ethologist revolutionised science, and she was a tireless advocate for the protection and restoration of our natural world.”

Paying tribute, wildlife presenter Chris Packham said: “She did everything her way — and with enormous amounts of energy.

“She used her voice to speak up for life on Earth. And, in many ways, she has died on the job — and that job was protecting life on Earth.”

Thomas Schultz-Jagow, director of advocacy and prevention at the RSPCA, said: “Dr Jane was truly an inspiration to all at the RSPCA and we share the deep sadness felt around the world following her passing.”