Her love for animals and drive to make a difference led her to earn a Ph.D. in ethology from Cambridge in 1962, despite not having a bachelor’s degree. She founded the Jane Goodall Institute in 1977, authored numerous books, and spent more than six decades advocating for animal welfare, conservation, and environmental stewardship.

“I’m desperate to make a difference before it’s too late,” she told Parade in 2020.

“We can just give up, or we can say, ‘We’ve done a lot of harm to the environment, but we’re going to fight for what’s left.’”

Goodall’s contributions earned her recognition as a UN Messenger of Peace, a title she shared with Leonardo DiCaprio. Following her passing, the Oscar-winning actor shared a heartfelt tribute to his longtime friend and collaborator.