President Lai mourns death of Jane Goodall

Taipei, Oct. 2 (CNA) President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) on Thursday expressed condolences over the death of renowned primatologist and environmental campaigner Jane Goodall, who died at the age of 91.

In a Facebook post, Lai described Goodall as a giant of her time who dedicated her life to protecting the environment and advancing environmental education.

According to the Jane Goodall Institute, the British conservationist died of natural causes on Wednesday in Los Angeles, California while on a speaking tour in the United States.

During a visit to Taiwan in June, Goodall said candidly that she did not have much time left and that she hoped to use her remaining strength to help people understand that even in a troubled world, there is still a path forward.

In his post, Lai said that Goodall had remained dedicated to environmental protection and climate change issues over the years, and had actively promoted environmental education with the goal of inspiring more people to take up the cause.

Her tireless spirit will forever remain in the hearts of the Taiwanese people, he said.

In a separate Facebook post, Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim (蕭美琴) also mourned Goodall's passing, quoting the Gospel of John: "Unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain. But if it dies, it produces many seeds."

Hsiao thanked her for the invaluable legacy she left to humanity and the planet.

"May she rest in peace, and may we all carry on her spirit," she wrote, adding that the meaning of the Bible passage serves as a reminder to keep spreading hope and love.