Leonardo DiCaprio’s last words to her

“Jane Goodall devoted her life to protecting our planet and giving a voice to the wild animals and the ecosystems they inhabit,” DiCaprio wrote on Instagram.

“Her groundbreaking research on chimpanzees in Tanzania transformed our understanding of how our closest relatives live, socialize, and think—reminding us that we are deeply connected not only to chimpanzees and the other great apes, but to all life.”

He continued, “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. My deepest condolences to her family.”

DiCaprio invited his followers to honor Goodall’s legacy: “Join me in supporting the Jane Goodall Institute and other conservation groups. 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.”

Goodall’s influence extended far beyond science. She appeared in more than 40 documentaries, sharing her discoveries and insights with the world, and most recently collaborated with DiCaprio on Howl, a live-action film exploring the survival journey of a dog and a wolf from the animals’ perspective.