Jane Goodall: Legendary crusader for chimpanzees and the planet

BRITISH primatologist Jane Goodall, who transformed the study of chimpanzees and became one of the world's most revered wildlife advocates, has died at the age of 91, her institute announced Wednesday.

- AFP

Goodall “died peacefully in her sleep while in Los Angeles” on a speaking tour of the United States, the Jane Goodall Institute said in a statement on Instagram.

In a final video posted before her death, Goodall, clad in her trademark green, told an audience: “Some of us could say ‘Bonjour, some of us could say ‘Guten Morgen, and so on, but I can say, ‘Hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo! That's ‘good morning’ in chimpanzee?”

Tributes poured in from conservationists, politicians and entertainers.

“I'm deeply saddened to learn about the passing of Jane Goodall, our dear Messenger of Peace,’ said UN chief Antonio Guterres. “She is leaving an extraordinary legacy for humanity & our planet”

“Renowned zoologist, primatologist, researcher and friend of Tanzania, 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,’ said Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan.