Jane Goodall, the British primatologist, ethologist and anthropologist whose groundbreaking studies of chimpanzees rewrote how we see humans' closest relatives, passed away at the age of 91. Her work transcended academia and inspired generations around the world to reimagine our relationship with nature and wildlife.

The Jane Goodall Institute announced her death Wednesday on Instagram, saying the primatologist died of natural causes in California while on a U.S. speaking tour. 

Her discoveries "revolutionized science, and she was a tireless advocate for the protection and restoration of our natural world," the institute said.

Living among chimpanzees in Africa beginning in the 1960s, Goodall documented behaviors once thought uniquely human. Her field notes – followed by magazine profiles and documentary films – reshaped perceptions of our closest living relatives and highlighted the emotional and social complexity of animals, propelling her into the global spotlight.

"There isn't a barrier between us and other animals," Goodall told CGTN in 2023. "The chimps taught us that we humans are not the only beings on the planet with personalities, with minds, capable of solving problems, and above all, with emotions."

Jane Goodall in China

Goodall's links with China span a quarter-century. She first spoke in China in 1998. A year later, the Roots & Shoots program opened offices in Beijing and Shanghai, and she returned almost every autumn or winter to advance youth-led environmental action.

In the same CGTN interview, held to mark the 23rd International Day for Biological Diversity, Goodall recalled that her first visit coincided with a turning point when the Chinese government began placing greater importance on environmental protection. She praised China's biodiversity conservation efforts in recent years.

"Since then, I've seen more and more groups protecting different kinds of animals, forests restored, for example, the giant panda, which was almost extinct, and now the numbers have gone up," she said. "More and more people are aware, and that's so key."

"Dr. Jane Goodall's passing is a profound loss to the global environmental community and to all who love nature," Yu Chong, the chief representative of WildAid's Beijing Office, told CGTN. "The world has lost a pioneering conservationist who devoted her entire life to living out her ideals. She steadfastly showed us that 'only through action, can there be hope,'" Yu said.

Yu recalled that Goodall took part in WildAid's early public-service campaigns to protect endangered wildlife, bringing her sincerity and passion to every effort. "In doing so, she helped embed the importance of wildlife and ecological conservation deeply into the public consciousness, leaving a lasting impact," Yu said.

"Dr. Jane Goodall has always been a source of inspiration for WildAid, and we will continue to uphold her spirit as we move forward on the path of safeguarding our planet and its wildlife. May she rest in peace."

Read more: Jane Goodall at 90: Spreading a message of 'hope through action'