Scientists, stars, statespeople mourn Jane Goodall as one of world's 'last great protectors'

Environmentalists, activists and future scientists around the globe are mourning the loss of a legend in the world conservation and animal research — Jane Goodall, who has died at the age of 91.

They're paying tribute to the trailblazing British primatologist, whose study of chimpanzees in the wild opened the world's eyes to understanding one of humankind's closest primate relatives.

And she did so at a time when few women were seen at the forefront of scientific research.

She was a pioneer for girls and women who wanted to become scientists, said British Columbia-based wildlife biologist Alexandra Morton.

"Jane Goodall just opened the door to my entire life," she told BC Today host Michelle Elliot Tuesday afternoon. "When I was a young girl there were no women scientist [role] model