Leonardo DiCaprio pays tribute to 'dear friend' and 'hero' Dame Jane Goodall

Oscar-winning actor and environmental activist Leonardo DiCaprio has led the tributes to his "dear friend" and personal "hero", Dame Jane Goodall, following her passing at the age of 91.

The world-renowned conservationist, who was the leading authority on chimpanzee behaviour, passed away from "natural causes" in California, according to a statement released by The Jane Goodall Institute on Wednesday.

Tributes have been flooding in for the ethologist, who began her groundbreaking research on free-living chimpanzees in Tanzania in 1960, a time when it was virtually unheard of for a woman to venture into the African wilderness.

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Hollywood star DiCaprio took to Instagram on Wednesday to say that "we all must carry the torch" for Dame Jane and protect "our one shared home".

The Titanic actor, aged 50, posted photos of himself with Dame Jane, who was appointed a UN Messenger of Peace in 2002, a full 12 years before DiCaprio received the same prestigious title.

"Today we have lost a true hero for the planet, an inspiration to millions, and a dear friend," DiCaprio wrote. He added: "Jane Goodall dedicated her life to protecting our planet and giving a voice to the wild animals and the ecosystems they inhabit.

"Her pioneering research on chimpanzees in Tanzania revolutionised our understanding of how our closest relatives live, socialise and think - reminding us that we are deeply connected not only to chimpanzees and the other great apes, but to all life.

"For decades, Jane travelled the globe with boundless 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. Please join me in honouring her legacy by supporting @janegoodallinst and other conservation groups which she cared about. 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."

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