Tributes poured in from around the world honoring the life and influence of Jane Goodall, the famed primatologist whose death at the age of 91 was announced on Wednesday.

Goodall became famous after living among chimpanzees in Africa decades ago and was still promoting her causes until her death. She was lauded as a pioneer, a tireless advocate and a deeply compassionate conservationist who inspired others to care about primates — and all animals.

University of St. Andrews primatologist Catherine Hobaiter, who studies communication in chimpanzees, said that when she was a young researcher and first heard Jane Goodall speak, it transformed her view of science.

"It was the first time as a young scientist working with wild apes and wild chimpanzees that I got to hear that it was okay to to feel something," she said.

"For a long time, the perception of being a good scientist was ... to be an objective outside observer," but Goodall helped demonstrate the value of studying and caring about individual animals, Hobaiter said.

"She named the chimpanzees she worked with," previously considered a research faux-pas. But her tenacity in challenging the field helped to change it.

Meanwhile, Defenders of Wildlife Director of National Outreach Caitlin Cattelino highlighted Goodall's ability "to relate wildlife to people and to empower people to take action for wildlife."

"It's incredible that her voice remained as strong and hopeful as it did through all of her years, through all her career. She just had this ability to continue to inspire hope," Cattelino said.

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