Although I never got to know Frans de Waal, I was fortunate enough to hear him speak in 2020 before the shut down. I’m working on a PhD in animal behavior and welfare. His contributions to our field are immeasurable and the impact of his death is felt by people who didn’t know him personally. Reading stories shared by his former colleagues and grad students has confirmed what I’d suspected; he was an incredible mentor. There is no shortage of brilliant scientists, but it takes a special person to be an impactful mentor. My meeting with him was short and impactful- it’s not every day that you get to meet someone that you look up to so much. I remember having a quick conversation about my research while he signed my book. Everyone says that you shouldn’t meet your heroes, they always let you down; but meeting Frans de Waal proved that he was truly a thoughtful and compassionate academic. He will be missed by so many. My condolences to his wife, Catherine 💜