Conservationist Dame Jane Goodall, who was credited with revolutionising the world's understanding of chimpanzees, has died at the age of 91.

She died of natural causes while on on a speaking tour in California.

In her later life, Goodall was almost always travelling the world, delivering speeches about the importance of protecting the environment.

Wellington Zoo CEO Karen Fifield says her research transformed the way we view animals - and revealed how we can make their lives easier and better.

"I had the honour and privilege of actually interviewing her last year, when she was in Wellington... it was actually one of the honours of my life, I must say, to share the stage with someone as wonderful as Jane."

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