Raju Shinde/Hindustan Times via Getty World leaders and a range of stars are mourning the loss of legendary conservationist and top chimpanzee expert Jane Goodall The 91-year-old died of natural causes in California during a national speaking tour "She stayed at her mission and on her mission. She changed the world and the lives of everyone she impacted. The world lost one of its best today, and I lost someone I adored," said Maria Shriver Stars are mourning the loss of legendary conservationistDr. Jane Goodall. The 91-year-old animal welfare advocate died of natural causes in California during a speaking tour, her namesake institute announced in astatementon Wednesday, Oct. 1. "Dr. Goodall's discoveries as an ethologist revolutionized science, and she was a tireless advocate for the protection and restoration of our natural world," they wrote in a tribute. Known globally for a 65-year study on wild chimpanzees in Gombe, Tanzania, Goodall penned more than 27 books throughout her lifetime and completed a doctoral thesis titledThe Behaviour of Free-living Chimpanzees in the Gombe Stream Reservein 1965 without an undergraduate degree, according to amemorial pagefrom her institute. Following the news of her death, a slate of celebrities, politicians and organizations from around the world have mourned her loss online. "Today we have lost a true hero for the planet, an inspiration to millions, and a dear friend," actor and environmental activistLeonardo DiCapriowrotein a lengthy Instagram tribute. Giles Clarke/Getty "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," he continued. "My deepest condolences to her family. Please join me in honoring her legacy by supporting@janegoodallinstand other conservation groups which she cared about."He added, "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." In a separate tribute,Jane Fondasaid that her "heart breaks at the news." "Through her work with chimps, she did more than any human being has, to let us understand the richness of animal lives: their intelligence, skills, unique personalities, use of tools, empathy, suffering when one of theirs was killed," the star wrote. "I loved her very much. I think the best way we can honor her life is to treat the earth and all its beings like our family, with love and respect." AddedMichael Douglas, "RIP to my fellow UN Messenger of Peace, Dr. Jane Goodall.Her legacy will forever be rememberedfor her unwavering dedication to our planet." Taylor Hill/Getty Sharing a carousel of photos of Goodall, longtime morning news anchorAl Rokerremembered heras a "gentle soul but a fierce champion, while in a separate post,Julia Louis-Dreyfus, who once hosted the legendary conservationist on herWiser Than Mepodcast, said she was "so blessed and so gratefulto have crossed paths with this wise giant." "Jane Goodall was a legendary figure and a friend. I admired her, learned from her, and was so honored to get to spend time with her over the years," wroteMaria ShriveronInstagram. In 2009, Goodall became a recipient of Shriver'sMinerva Award, honoring women "who serve on the front-lines of humanity." "She stayed at her mission and on her mission. She changed the world and the lives of everyone she impacted. The world lost one of its best today, and I lost someone I adored," Shriver added. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ellen DeGeneres (@ellendegeneres) Former daytime hostEllen DeGeneresshared a clip of when Goodall appeared on the show in honor of her 85th birthday. During the television appearance, Goodall recalled how few opportunities there were for women to become scientists while she was growing up, yet her mother offered simple advice: "If you really want this, you'll have to work really hard, take advantage of all opportunities, but don't give up." Another former host,Rosie O'Donnellmourned Goodall shortly after her death was announced publicly, writing onInstagram, "Angel on earth- rip jane." Meanwhile, former Canadian Prime MinisterJustin Trudeaucalled her a "pioneer whose research and advocacy reshaped our understanding of the natural world." AddedHilary Clinton, "I'll so miss her courage and commitment to helpexpand what we know about our worldand preserve it for the generations to come." The United Nations also honored Goodall, who served as aMessenger of Peacefor the organization since 2002, focusing on conservation and environmental issues. "Today, the UN family mourns the loss of Dr. Jane Goodall," the group wroteonline, noting the scientist, "worked tirelessly for our planet and all its inhabitants, leaving an extraordinary legacy for humanity and nature." Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE's free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. PBS'Natureconfirms to PEOPLE on Wednesday, Oct. 1 that the program is planning to air a two-hour documentary in 2026 calledMatriarch, focusing on Goodall and her efforts in Gombe, Tanzania. "In the early 1960s, as a young woman, she entered the African forest to study chimps with absolutely no background in animal behavior, rather, equipped only with a keen sense of observation and a love and curiosity about animals," saysNatureExecutive Producer Fred Kaufman. "Her long-term study of these primates has fundamentally changed how we view them, from their use of tools to their displays of emotion," Kaufman continues. "Her contribution to understanding wild animals is nearly unmatched." Read the original article onPeople
