TORONTO — G Adventures founder Bruce Poon Tip has penned a heartfelt tribute to “a great woman, a global icon, a figure of peace and a good friend,” Dr. Jane Goodall, DBE.

The Jane Goodall Institute announced Wednesday that she had died of natural causes while in California during a U.S. speaking tour. She was 91.

Born in London in 1934, the conservationist was renowned for environmental advocacy that started with her field research on chimpanzees in what is now Tanzania.

Goodall spent months observing the animals, watching them use tools and do other activities that were previously believed to be exclusive to human beings.

Her documented observations also noted the animals each had distinct personalities, and her discoveries went on to transform how the world perceived the emotional and social complexity of all animals.

“SHE DEDICATED HER LIFE TO DELIVERING A MESSAGE OF PEACE”

“The world has lost an angel. Dr. Jane Goodall was a great woman, an inspiration to me personally and a dear friend,” said Poon Tip in his tribute.

For years G Adventures has worked with Dr. Goodall and the Jane Goodall Institute, on programs including The Jane Goodall Collection.

“I was just with Dr. Jane a few weeks ago. We joked about her schedule and I told her that she made me feel like a part-timer and that I should get back on the road again,” said Poon Tip.

Dr. Jane Goodall (photo credit Chase Pickering)

“Even in her nineties, she continued to travel the world, speaking, inspiring and fighting for this planet. She dedicated her life to delivering a message of peace, and her tireless research forever connected humankind with the natural world and the challenges of biodiversity.

“Her passing leaves a void that will be felt deeply, not only by those who knew her but by communities and wildlife around the world whose lives she touched through her tireless work.

“We have had a long-standing relationship with Dr. Jane and the Jane Goodall Institute for many years that has enabled us to shape how travellers connect with nature in ways that inspire care, conservation, and a sense of responsibility to our planet – values that Jane lived and breathed every day.

“Just days ago, we were honoured to announce Dr. Jane as one of our Global Ambassadors, celebrating her as a trailblazer and driver of change. She was truly a gift to humanity, a figure of peace and a global icon whose message of compassion and hope is needed now more than ever.

“I was privileged to meet with Dr. Jane last month where we spoke about the dual potential of tourism; for harm, but also for tremendous good. In that conversation, she reminded me and everyone listening that ‘We are all human. We all laugh, we all cry, we all hope, we can all go into despair. We are all one family.’ That belief, that we are bound together in responsibility and in hope, was at the core of who she was.

“Dr. Jane’s life work will continue to inspire us all at G Adventures. We are committed to honouring her legacy and being the messengers for her through our ongoing work with the Jane Goodall Institute and by carrying forward the principles she championed: respect, compassion, and the deep understanding that we are all connected.

“The world has lost a pioneer and relentless warrior for everything that is good in this world. She will be profoundly missed, but her spirit will live on in the forests she loved, in the animals she fought to protect, and in every person whose life she touched with her wisdom and courage.

“She was my hero. She inspired me to be better. She was a great woman, a global icon, a figure of peace and a good friend.”

With file from The Canadian Press