Leonardo DiCaprio is showing his respect to legendary primatologist Jane Goodall.
Following the news that Goodall, known for her groundbreaking chimpanzee field research, died on Wednesday at age 91, DiCaprio took to his social media to pay tribute to the conservationist and shared photos of them.
“Today we have lost a true hero for the planet, an inspiration to millions, and a dear friend,” the Oscar winner wrote. “Jane Goodall devoted her life to protecting our planet and giving a voice to the wild animals and the ecosystems they inhabit. 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.”
The One Battle After Another star 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.”
DiCaprio and Goodall developed a friendship over the years due to their shared interest in conservation. For her 85th birthday in 2019, which Los Angeles named “Dr. Jane Goodall Day,” the focus was on her environmental work and DiCaprio attended. They both are United Nations Messengers of Peace and they also produced the 2024 film, Howl.
The actor has spoken out numerous times about his passion for addressing climate change over the years, including when he won the Academy Award in 2016 for his role in The Revenant and used the opportunity to call for action, labeling climate change the “most urgent threat facing our entire species.” He also has his own conservation foundation.
“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,” DiCaprio wrote.
The Jane Goodall Institute’s Instagram announced that she died of natural causes. DiCaprio urged his followers to “please join me in honoring her legacy by supporting @janegoodallinst and other conservation groups which she cared about,” by donating to Goodall’s Institute.