The Story of Dr. Doolittle characters

Appears from the start

A kind physician in the English town of Puddleby-on-the-Marsh who prefers animals to fashionable patients. After his parrot teaches him to understand animal speech, he gives up ordinary medicine and becomes an animal doctor. His crowded household and willingness to treat creatures without payment leave him poor, but news of his unusual skill eventually brings an urgent summons from Africa.

Appears from the start

Doctor Dolittle's practical sister and housekeeper. She objects to the growing number of animals in the house and worries that his devotion to them is driving away his human patients.

Appears from the start

Doctor Dolittle's African grey parrot. Highly knowledgeable about animal languages, she realizes that the Doctor can learn to communicate with other species and becomes his first teacher and chief adviser.

Appears from the start

Doctor Dolittle's dog, a devoted companion with a keen nose. Once the Doctor understands animal speech, Jip helps him diagnose patients and later joins the expedition to Africa.

Appears from the start

A sensible duck who manages Doctor Dolittle's household after his sister leaves. She travels with the Doctor and often responds to difficulties with practical advice.

Appears from the start

A young pig kept by Doctor Dolittle. Food-loving and easily alarmed, he is one of the small group of animals who accompany the Doctor on his voyage to Africa.

Appears from the start

Doctor Dolittle's owl, whose exceptionally sharp hearing makes him useful whenever the group must detect distant or hidden sounds. He is among the animals chosen for the African journey.

First appears in chapter 5

A monkey who lives with Doctor Dolittle and travels with him to Africa. He serves as a link between the visiting physician and the monkey community threatened by disease.

First appears in chapter 6

The ruler of the African kingdom where Doctor Dolittle lands. Remembering harmful treatment by an earlier white visitor, he distrusts the newcomer and refuses to let the expedition pass freely through his territory.

First appears in chapter 8

The proud leader of the lions. He initially refuses to ask his pride to help care for sick monkeys, insisting that lions should not perform such work, until the epidemic reaches his own family.

First appears in chapter 10

A rare two-headed animal whose name reflects its paired front ends. Shy of humans, it agrees to travel home with Doctor Dolittle so that public exhibition can earn the money needed for the return journey.

Also known as Prince Bumpo

First appears in chapter 11

King Jolliginki's son, an Oxford-educated prince who privately asks Doctor Dolittle for a magical alteration to his appearance while the travelers are being held in his father's kingdom.