David Attenborough issues emotional tribute following death of long-time friend

By Steph Spyro, Deputy Political Editor

David Attenborough has paid tribute to Dr Jane Goodall (Image: Getty)

Sir David Attenborough has praised conservationist Dame Jane Goodall as a “tireless advocate” for chimpanzees and a “great champion of environmental protection” following her death aged 91.

The conservationist, who was the world’s leading expert on chimpanzee behaviour, died from “natural causes” in California, The Jane Goodall Institute said in a statement on Wednesday.

Sir David, 99, who was friends with Dame Jane and is best known for his BBC nature documentaries, said in a statement: “Jane Goodall was the first to prove that an investigating scientist and a great ape living in the wild could become true friends and in doing so she came to transform our understanding of chimpanzees.

“She was their tireless advocate and a great champion of environmental protection."

The Prince of Wales has also praised Dr Goodall's "boundless curiosity, compassion and pioneering spirit" of the conservationist.
He said she "inspired me and countless others to work to protect our planet".

Prince William, 43, has long been passionate about nature and established his Earthshot environmental prize to find solutions to protect the planet.

In a message released on Kensington Royal's official social media platforms and signed personally with the Prince's initial, he added: "The world has lost an extraordinary voice with the passing of Dame Jane Goodall.

"Her boundless curiosity, compassion and pioneering spirit transformed our understanding of the natural world.

"She challenged us all to make a difference and inspired me and countless others to protect our planet. Jane Goodall made a difference."

Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle released a tribute of their own, saying the world-renowned primatologist had "held our son".

The Sussexes called her a "visionary humanitarian" who was a "friend to the planet, and friend to us".

"Her commitment to changing lives extends beyond what the world saw, and also to what we personally felt," they said in a statement.

"She held our son, Archie, when he was first born, and showered love and care to those who were privileged to know her. She will be deeply missed."