Celebrity
Why Jane Goodall Never Traveled Without Her Beloved Stuffed Monkey
For decades, a small plush gray monkey silently toured the world with one of the most distinguished primatologists of all time.
He wasn’t living — but his narrative was full of life, hope, and inspiration.
Right now, the world is mourning Jane Goodall, the lady who altered our understanding of nature — and especially chimpanzees. A British primatologist, ethologist, and anthropologist, Goodall gained to international recognition for her breakthrough studies of wild chimpanzees in Tanzania.
She was the first researcher to find that chimpanzees utilize tools. She also disclosed that they hunt, kill, and consume other animals.
As the world grieves for a remarkable woman, the story of her devoted plush friend, Mr. H, has also won hearts all across the world.
The surprising backstory
Agata Gutkowska, a volunteer with the Jane Goodall Institute Canada, revealed the unexpected history of Mr. H. After traveling with Goodall to more than 60 nations, this little gray monkey evolved into more than just a toy; it became a symbol of strength.
”Mr. H is as cultured as he is adorable. He also happens to be Jane Goodall’s famous sidekick, accompanying her on all her travel adventures, whether she’s visiting a chimpanzee sanctuary in Africa or giving a lecture in Toronto,” Gutkowska wrote.
Gary Haun, a former U.S. Marine who had lost his sight in a helicopter crash, gave Goodall Mr. H as a birthday present in 1996. Despite being blind, Haun beat the odds by redefining himself as a magician who dazzled audiences.
Goodall turned Mr. H, a birthday present, into a traveling symbol of hope for the Jane Goodall Institute after being inspired by her friend’s tenacity.
”The hope and inspiration that Mr. H represents rubs off on every person who touches him,” Gutkowska added.
Mr. H in the spotlight
Mr. H was a star in his own right, not just a traveling companion. Goodall held the plush monkey as she told his story during her 2019 appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon:
”Mr. H was given to me 29 years ago for my birthday by a man called Gary Haun, which is why he’s Mr. H,” she told Fallon.
She explained how Haun defied expectations, saying, ”the kids don’t know he’s blind.” She recounted his mantra: ”If something goes wrong in your life, don’t give up. There’s always a way forward.”
Goodall proudly revealed on broadcast that Mr. H had accompanied her to 65 nations by that point.
Fallon, caught up in the monkey’s charm, joked, ”I should have said, ‘Hi.’ I’m sorry. I didn’t say hello and shake your hand. Hi, Mr. H. Thank you so much for coming on our show. We really appreciate this.”
The influence of Mr. H extended well beyond the theater. A respected primatologist became a symbol of love, hope, and tenacity after youngsters questioned why he took a toy monkey to audiences on several countries.
In a 2024 Instagram post, Goodall explained: ”The reason I carry him with me is because he is my little mascot.”
She posted pictures of Mr. H at special events, such as embracing Goodall’s life’s work, standing with Kofi Annan at the UN, and interacting with kids.
A popular misunderstanding that she carries Mr. H because he is a chimpanzee was also addressed by Goodall. By pointing out that he has a tail, she explained that the plush isn’t actually a chimp.
While on a lecture tour in the United States, Jane Goodall died quietly in her sleep in Los Angeles, California.
Mr. H was probably close by, because he went with her on all the tours.
“He’s a symbol of the indomitable human spirit,” said Dr. Jane Goodall of the stuffed monkey when she introduced Mr. H to the audience at the 2025 Forbes Sustainability Leaders Summit in New York City just days before her passing.
Mr. H Junior
Fans can purchase a miniature version of Mr. H Junior, the plush monkey, from Goodall’s official Good for All Goods store if they would like to own a piece of this inspirational tale. Mr. H Junior is 7.5 inches tall and 4 inches wide, and it is made ethically in the United States to look like his well-known namesake.
Now Trending:
- Leonardo Dicaprio Reveals His Last Words To Jane Goodall
- Heartbroken Mom Uses Deceased Son’s Sperm To Have Baby Via Surrogate — Shares Emotional Update
- Joshua Allen, ‘So You Think You Can Dance’ Winner, Dies At 36 — Last Words Revealed
Please SHARE this story with your Friends and Family and let us know what you think in comments!
