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The renowned primatologist has been celebrated as a "guiding light" across China, with millions people paying tribute online to the environmental advocate who died this week at the age of ninety-one.

This celebrated primatologist and creator of the Jane Goodall Institute was highly respected in China, and her studies and findings were ubiquitous in local textbooks, which featured her among "women of achievement" in text books.

Influence on Youth Through Environmental Programs

Her organization's primary environmental education program collaborated with more than 1,000 schools across the country, and over three decades it trained 10,000 teachers and educated numerous students across multiple regions about wildlife conservation and the natural world.

"Her story is deeply motivating, and I was deeply influenced by it," Sun Xin from the National Zoological Museum stated.

"It's easy to shout slogans, but it's extremely difficult to actually achieve results and create change," Sun added, who had encountered Dr. Goodall on multiple instances.

Scientific Community and Public Recognition

Several prominent researchers in the country paid tribute to Goodall following her death.

"By her dedicated work, she persistently campaigned for wildlife and nature conservation, aspiring that humanity would cherish and protect nature," the specialist explained.

Another scientist from the Chinese Academy of Sciences referred to Dr. Goodall as "a model for all biologists and environmentalists."

Long-standing Connection with China

Official news outlets noted the scientist's "enduring relationship with China," which she traveled to repeatedly last year, and spoke to state broadcaster, remarking on environmental progress in China.

"Her environmental philosophy and spirit have influenced many people in the country," reported local news sources.

In recent years, Goodall spoke about the changes in the nation since her initial trip almost 20 years earlier, with official initiatives driven in part by the decline of natural habitats such as the Yangtze River basin, and the emergence of rare public protests.

"It is certain that more and more Chinese have become aware of ecological issues and the danger of the extinction of numerous animals due to people's actions," she said.

Goodall acknowledged it was accurate that China had caused great harm to the environment both locally and globally, but her vision was that the country "might pioneer efforts in phasing out the need for fossil fuels and establish a more sustainable future."

Social Media Response and Public Sentiment

News of her passing also generated hundreds of millions of engagements on social media platforms such as Chinese microblogging sites, where a relevant topic was seen 120 million times, and video platforms, where Dr. Goodall posted videos.

"We appreciate for your efforts to wildlife research and protection, and for providing motivation for women everywhere," said one comment under the scientist's most recent video, in which she urged movement and optimism against human violence and environmental destruction sweeping the world, and the worsening impact of global warming.

"Decades ago, I participated in the conservation initiative 'Roots & Shoots' at my educational institution, founded by Jane Goodall in my school. It has influenced me profoundly," shared a social media participant.

"Xi Zhilong", the founder of a production organization, said Goodall had become "a guiding light, guiding our path."

"The green seeds she has planted across the world will offer promise to this beautiful yet fragile planet," he added.