This stuffed monkey is bananas for NYU Abu Dhabi and the environment.
He participates in the annual Earth Hour campaign to turn off non-essential campus lights, and even helps NYUAD students in their efforts to protect the national tree of the UAE, the Ghaf.
His name is Mr. H. Junior and he's here because of legendary conservationist Dr. Jane Goodall, who left the symbolic plush animal as a parting gift during her first visit to campus in early 2015.
Mr. H. Junior is now at the center (or in the middle, you might say) of NYUAD's sustainability movement, sitting alongside green-thumbed students who plant trees and organize environmental awareness events.
Goodall, who speaks globally about her work on animal conservation and environmental welfare, was given a stuffed monkey herself in 1996 by a magician who lost his vision but never let his disability become an obstacle. Goodall's monkey, affectionately named Mr. H., has accompanied her to more than 60 countries over the last two decades.
Each one of us has the ability to make a difference every single day.
Goodall was back in Abu Dhabi on January 19 with the Roots & Shoots UAE education program, celebrating its 25th anniversary. Her visits are a dream come true for Fisher Wu, a sophomore who was thrilled to spend time talking to Goodall personally.
"Roots & Shoots and Jane have changed my life so much. She gives me reason to pursue my passion in protecting the environment."