We always knew this day would come

My day started with a jolt in the flurry of messages coming through from about 6.15am.

Jane Goodall has died. Suddenly. In her sleep. While on tour in LA.

This would have been as she wished it to be. Gently and without a fuss.

We knew it was coming - she was 91 after all - but I honestly thought she would be kicking goals until she was at least 100. I have always been so impressed by her physical fitness.

(I remember in 2014 when we took her to Green School, Bali and she was so agile on her feet at 80 that I couldn’t keep up with her. I remember thinking that all those years chasing chimps in the jungle and set her up for lifelong fitness.)

So the news of her sudden death has really shocked us all. It’s a very sad tough day.

My JGI gang has been reaching out to each other - sharing the shock, the tears, the acceptance. Reflecting on moments. Sharing a laugh. Looking at photos.

The last time I spent with Jane was precious. A quiet Wintery afternoon tucked away in her unit while she was visiting Melbourne. A peaceful day. Gentle conversation. Wise connection. At one stage she fell asleep next to me, curled up on the couch, gently snoring, in her dreams, probably in Gombe, her feet on my lap. That was a day forever to cherish. Calm amongst the storm that was her life on the road for 30 years.

Jane has touched so many people - literally millions - and today I am feeling the rising momentum of a collective global grief shared across countries and connections all threaded together by our links to Jane. I have received so many beautiful messages as people come to terms with this loss. Our UN Messenger of Peace is now in eternal peace. A well earned forever sleep. Always our Beacon of Hope.

I had spoken to Jane several times about when she dies. She was not afraid to die. There was a sense of anticipation at discovering the mystery of it all. In fact in 2012 I had the blessed honour of being invited by Jane to attend the inaugural Roots & Shoots Summit at Windsor Castle and one morning over breakfast we talked about her wishes when she dies .. at the time she said she wanted to be cremated and her ashes split and shared across all her country chapter offices. I wonder if this will actually happen.

To all the young people - of all ages now - who have been touched and shaped by Dr Jane. You are her legacy and her light. She was devoted to young people, planting seeds of hope for a brighter future. Together we can honour her life and legacy by continuing our efforts to create a kinder world.

I often say Jane was the voice in my head. And she still is. In fact I am noticing her voice is louder now. To everyone grieving: She would want us to roll up our sleeves and keep doing the good work - to create a kinder world for Animals, People and the Environment.

She is on her next great adventure. “Either there is nothing, in which case there is nothing, or there is something and I will get to discover this”.

Wherever you are right now Jane, you remain the voice in my head. Always.

Today we are taking the time to pause, reflect, honour, embrace ritual and remember a global icon, our Messenger of Peace and a beacon of hope to so many.

I have so much more I want to say but I will stop right here. It’s approaching evening now. The wind is wild. I am heading out for a walk along the beach.

Back soon.