Mr H., a plush and beloved companion, traveled to more than 65 countries with Goodall

Jane Goodall, the legendary primatologist whose groundbreaking work with chimpanzees transformed the way the world understands animals and conservation, has died at the age of 91.

She passed peacefully in Los Angeles while on a speaking tour, leaving behind not only a remarkable scientific legacy and a family that includes a son and grandchildren, but also a decades-long companionship with an unlikely traveling partner: a stuffed monkey named Mr. H.

For nearly three decades, Mr. H accompanied Goodall to interviews, summits, and public appearances in more than 65 countries, quietly serving as a symbol of perseverance, inspiration, and the human spirit.

The story of Mr. H begins in 1996, when a close friend of Goodall’s, Gary Haun, a U.S. Marine who lost his eyesight in a helicopter crash at the age of 21, gifted her the plush toy.

Haun’s journey was nothing short of extraordinary: despite his blindness, he became a magician, climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, and even skydived, defying expectations and inspiring those around him.

“He’s so good that he does shows for kids, and will say at the end, ‘Hey, guess what? I’m blind,’ because they never know,” Goodall shared in a 2024 video post for her institute.

She explained that Mr. H, named in honor of Haun, reminded her every day that obstacles could be overcome, and nothing was impossible.

Over the years, Goodall carried Mr. H everywhere. The plush was present at interviews, conferences, and award ceremonies, often appearing alongside her in photographs.

Most recently, she brought him to the 2025 Forbes Sustainability Summit on September 22, demonstrating that even as she addressed global audiences about urgent environmental issues, her little mascot remained a source of comfort and inspiration.

Fans quickly came to recognize Mr. H as a fixture in Goodall’s life, sparking curiosity about why such a renowned scientist would carry a stuffed monkey around the world.

Many assumed Mr. H was a chimpanzee, but Goodall clarified in her social media posts that the plush was actually a monkey, complete with a tail, unlike chimpanzees and other great apes.

“Gary initially thought he was giving her a chimpanzee plushy, until she had him feel that Mr. H had a tail,” the Jane Goodall Institute explained.

This playful detail only added to the charm and personal significance of the toy, transforming it from a simple gift into a lifelong companion and a symbol of resilience.

For Goodall, Mr. H was more than a stuffed animal; he was a reminder of human determination, friendship, and the power of perseverance. “Gary’s indomitable human spirit inspired me to adopt Mr. H as my mascot,” she said.

Over time, Mr. H became intertwined with Goodall’s mission of conservation and hope, serving as an ambassador of her philosophy: that even small gestures can inspire change, and that optimism and determination can overcome adversity.

Throughout her career, Goodall balanced her groundbreaking research with a tireless commitment to education and environmental advocacy.

She used her platform to promote conservation, animal welfare, and sustainability, often speaking to audiences of thousands about the need to protect the planet. Mr. H accompanied her to these events, a quiet reminder that inspiration often comes in unexpected forms.

Even as she delivered speeches on critical global issues, the plush monkey was a reassuring presence, embodying both the personal and universal aspects of her work.

Goodall’s attachment to Mr. H also reflected her playful and empathetic side. She often spoke of the mascot in interviews and social media posts, sharing anecdotes that highlighted her warmth and sense of humor.

By carrying Mr. H on the road, she communicated that strength and inspiration could coexist with tenderness and whimsy, a lesson that resonated deeply with her fans worldwide.

The Jane Goodall Institute now offers a “Mr. H Junior” plush for supporters, encouraging others to carry forward her message of hope and compassion wherever they go.

The story of Mr. H illustrates the human side of one of the most celebrated scientists of our time.

Jane Goodall was a pioneering researcher, a global advocate for environmental conservation, and a symbol of unwavering dedication, yet she also demonstrated that inspiration often comes from unexpected places.

The friendship, courage, and joy embodied by a small stuffed monkey traveled alongside her through more than 65 countries, touching lives in a way that mirrored her scientific and humanitarian legacy.

Jane Goodall’s death marks the end of an era, but the image of her with Mr. H by her side endures as a testament to the power of perseverance, friendship, and the capacity for hope to thrive even in the face of adversity.

From the jungles of Gombe to the stages of global summits, Jane and Mr. H showed the world that compassion, courage, and the willingness to believe in the impossible can change lives—both human and animal alike.

Her institute, family, and legions of fans around the world continue to celebrate her life, her achievements, and the joy she brought through both her work and her quiet, steadfast companionship with a little stuffed monkey that became a giant symbol of inspiration.