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Leonardo DiCaprio and global stars honour Dr Jane Goodall’s extraordinary legacy
A farewell to a planetary pioneer
The world is mourning the loss of Dr Jane Goodall, the celebrated primatologist and tireless advocate for the natural world, who passed away in California at the age of 91 during a speaking tour. Known for her groundbreaking study of chimpanzees in Tanzania for over 60 years, Goodall became more than a scientist. She was a global voice for compassion, responsibility, and hope, inspiring millions to care for the planet and its creatures.
DiCaprio’s tribute: “My hero”
Among the most heartfelt tributes was Leonardo DiCaprio’s. The actor, who has long championed environmental causes, called Goodall “a true hero for the planet” and revealed that his last words to her were simple: “You are my hero.” He urged fans and followers to honour her memory by donating to the Jane Goodall Institute and other conservation charities she supported.
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Stars reflect on her legacy
Jane Fonda wrote that her “heart breaks” at the news, describing Goodall as “brave, heartfelt, history-making” and reminding the world that through her work with chimpanzees, she changed how humanity views animals: as intelligent beings with personalities, empathy and grief.
Michael Douglas paid tribute to his “fellow UN Messenger of Peace,” while Maria Shriver described losing someone she “adored,” recalling how Goodall remained steadfast in her mission and inspired countless lives. Ellen DeGeneres also reflected on Goodall’s role in breaking barriers for women in science, sharing a clip from her talk show in celebration of the primatologist’s achievements.
An enduring message
The Jane Goodall Institute confirmed her passing due to natural causes and celebrated her discoveries as revolutionary to science. The statement honoured her as a UN Messenger of Peace who never stopped working for the protection and restoration of the natural world.
Goodall’s legacy is not only scientific but deeply human. She opened the door for generations of women in research, fought for animals to be recognised as sentient beings, and brought conservation into mainstream consciousness. Her life reminds us that one person’s dedication can spark global change.
For her admirers in South Africa and beyond, the tributes echo a simple truth: Dr Jane Goodall changed how we see the world, and her torch now passes to us.
Also read: J.K. Rowling Claps Back at Emma Watson in Heated Transgender Rights Rift
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Source: IOL
Featured Image: Geo.tv
