Actor and environmental activist Leonardo DiCaprio led a slate of heartfelt tributes Wednesday at an invitation-only funeral service for Jane Goodall, the world-renowned ethologist and conservationist whose work revolutionized chimpanzee research.
Speaking at the Washington National Cathedral before 1,500 guests, including former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), DiCaprio said Goodall was “absolutely unstoppable.”
Goodall, who passed away in her sleep last month at 91, revolutionized the scientific study of animal behavior through her groundbreaking fieldwork on chimpanzees in Tanzania’s Gombe National Park. She spent her final years fiercely advocating for conservation; raising awareness about threats to wildlife; and pushing for a harmonious relationship between humans, animals and the natural world.
“Her groundbreaking work in Tanzania forever changed how we understand chimpanzees, and in many ways, how we understand ourselves,” he said. “But her love and advocacy reached far beyond that forest — it ignited an entire generation of environmentalists, including myself.”
He worked closely with Goodall on wildlife protection campaigns throughout the decades, including an upcoming film, “Howl.” For DiCaprio, whose climate foundation has provided millions of dollars in funding for global environmental initiatives, Goodall was a longtime ally and guiding voice. He urged mourners to carry forward her mission and legacy with the same fierce belief that humans have a responsibility to protect the planet.
“I’ll forever cherish every conversation, every adventure I had with her, every laugh, every whiskey we shared, and every time I got to spend time talking with my dear friend,” he said.
The Oscar-winning actor’s remarks were one of many in a ceremony that brought together political leaders, environmental advocates and cultural figures to honor Goodall, whose reach extended far beyond science.
Among those in attendance was Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del.), who co-chairs the Senate Climate Solutions Caucus. He said Goodall’s example carried particular weight this week as global officials are currently attending COP30 — the United Nations Climate Change Conference — in Brazil.
“Jane Goodall was one of the most hopeful, purposeful, courageous and determined people I have ever met,” Coons told POLITICO’S E&E News after the service. “In a week where the world is gathering at COP30 in Brazil, and many of us who had meant to be there were prevented by the government shutdown, the soaring music, the inspiring reflections and the ways in which today’s service was infused with her positive spirit gave a huge and needed lift to all of us who were present.”
Former National Institutes of Health Director Francis Collins, who oversaw the government’s retirement of using federally owned chimpanzees as research subjects, shared remarks at the service, reflecting on his friendship with Goodall. He said Goodall was “increasingly troubled” about the treatment of the planet, but maintained continual hope in the future generation and in nature’s resilience.
Pelosi, who was seated in the front pews next to celebrity chef and humanitarian José Andrés, did not speak at the service but has long credited Goodall for inspiring environmental justice and conservation legislation.
“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,” Pelosi said in a previous press release on Goodall’s passing.
