'A giant in science, compassion & hope': Desmond Lee, Ho Ching, Chee Hong Tat pen tributes for Jane Goodall

Tributes have poured in from Singapore leaders and those in the nature circle for the late Jane Goodall, who passed away at the age of 91.

Goodall was the world's foremost expert on chimpanzees — in the 1960s, she discovered that chimpanzees were able to make and use tools.

A "global icon for conservation"

Goodall has visited Singapore multiple times as part of events and outreach by the Jane Goodall Institute (Singapore) (JGIS).

She first met former Minister for National Development Desmond Lee in 2015, and the latter posted a lengthy tribute on Sep. 2.

"Today the world has lost a giant in science, compassion and hope for humanity and nature," Lee wrote.

He described Goodall as a "extraordinary example of dedication, passion and perseverance", stating that her discovery of the apes using tools transformed field research and the way humans understand animals.

Goodall also contributed to Singapore's movement to become a City in Nature through the work of JGIS.

The organisation worked with the National Parks Board (NParks) and the nature community to launch the Raffles’ Banded Langur Working Group and the Long-tailed Macaque Working Group, which aim to raise awareness of and conserve these species locally.

She became a "global icon for conservation, inspiring generations to care and restore the natural environment throughout her life" and she "believed deeply that every individual has the power to make a difference".

A "friend"

In a Facebook post, former Temasek CEO Ho Ching referred to Goodall as a "friend", sharing that a morning trip to Mandai Wildlife Reserve and viewing the monkeys and apes there brought to mind the primatologist.

"Those of us still here will try to carry the torch you have left us for a kinder, gentler, greener and cooler world."

"An indelible mark"

Minister for National Development Chee Hong Tat also chimed in, saying that Goodall has "left an indelible mark on the world, including here in Singapore".

"Through the work of the Jane Goodall Institute (Singapore) (JGIS), she inspired many Singaporeans to better understand and care for our native biodiversity."

"Shaped my journey"

Former Member of Parliament Louis Ng and founder of the Animal Concerns Research and Education Society (Acres) shared that since young, Goodall's courage and compassion had inspired him "to believe that one person can change the world".

"Her example guided my work in Parliament," he said, stating that it influenced the social issues that he raised there, as well as shaped his journey in founding Acres.

"Love you, and missing you"

Local primatologist Andie Ang, who is the president of JGIS and chairperson of the Raffles' banded langur group, recalled a farewell she had with Goodall in December 2024 when the latter left Singapore.

"Your email will not come anymore, but I think I got your message," Ang wrote.

Top photo from Desmond Lee/FB