Senator Coons statement on the passing of Dr. Jane Goodall

WILMINGTON - U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) issued the following statement in response to the news of the passing of pioneering scientist and conservationist Dr. Jane Goodall:

"Dr. Jane Goodall's groundbreaking research and discoveries decades ago reshaped our understanding of chimpanzees - our closest animal relatives - and thus of what it means to be human. From there, she launched a global effort to protect wildlife habitat, preserve biodiversity, and promote conservation.

"I was blessed to become friends with Jane through my service in the Senate and my work on conservation in Africa. She had a special ability to draw you in with her impish wit and endless curiosity, energizing others and making her such a powerful global leader. Jane's gentle spirit and sharp intellect combined with her fierce determination inspired a generation of women scientists and young conservationists. She spoke out and taught tirelessly about the importance of protecting our planet and inspired hope that we still can. I was honored to be with her this January when President Biden presented her with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and I had the memorable experience of listening in as she challenged and encouraged young women leaders, both on Capitol Hill and in connection with Roots and Shoots, her global youth conservation movement. Her legacy lives on in every scientist she inspired, every girl who learned that anything is possible, and in every one of us who steps forward to protect creation.

"I'm holding in my prayers tonight her son, Hugo, her sister, Judy, and her three grandchildren, as the world mourns beside them the passing of a beloved and visionary leader."

Senator Coons is co-chair of the Senate Conservation Caucus.