Pelosi Statement on the Passing of Jane Goodall

Washington, D.C. - Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi issued this statement on the passing of Jane Goodall:

"Today, the world lost an iconic conservationist and primatologist who was a tireless advocate for animal welfare and a respected voice for peace. Through her lifetime of academia and activism, Jane Goodall redefined our understanding of the world around us and taught us the powerful difference one person came make. The Leakey family supported her and was very proud of her brilliant work from the start.

"Jane and I were personal friends for decades, having met through the LSB Leakey Foundation where I was proud to support her early work. Pioneering a new field of academic study, Jane upended the long held but deeply flawed understanding of the relationship between humanity and our animal brethren. Her landmark, immersive study of chimpanzees is regarded as one of the most impressive scientific achievements of the 20th Century. Thanks to her decades-long fight in the conservation movement, countless acres stand protected today, enriching local communities and demonstrating to world leaders how inextricably tied the fate of humanity is to the health of the planet. Her extraordinary success and commitment to mentorship has empowered generations of women and girls to follow in her footsteps with careers in science and conservation.

"Personally, it was a privilege to work with Jane again at the 2020 G7 Speakers' Meeting, where she presented us her brilliance and expertise on economic and environmental justice as well as her opposition to weapons of mass destruction. Her vision will continue to inform and inspire our work as we combat the climate crisis and preserve the planet for generations to come.

"May it be a comfort to Jane's son Hugo and her entire family that so many around the world join them in mourning during this sad time. May she rest in peace."

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