The name Jonathan is most familiar to English-speaking audiences as the human friend of Kimba, used in a specific English dub of the original 1960s anime series. Jonathan is a young human who lives in or near the African jungle that Kimba presides over. In many ways, he acts as a bridge between the animal world and human civilization. He is a kind-hearted and well-meaning individual who shares a strong bond of friendship with Kimba, often assisting the young lion in his various endeavors.

In other dubs and versions, this character is known as Kenichi or Roger Ranger. Regardless of the name, his core role remains consistent: he is a human ally who respects the animals of the jungle and often finds himself acting as a mediator or a helper in Kimba’s plans to promote peace and understanding between species. His interactions with Kimba are crucial as they embody the series' central theme that peaceful coexistence between humans and animals is a worthy and achievable goal. Jonathan’s presence in the story serves as a testament to Kimba’s open-mindedness and his belief in judging individuals, whether animal or human, by their actions and character rather than by their nature or species.

While more detailed information about his personal background or development throughout the series is not detailed in the search results, his primary function is to be a steadfast confidant and an example of a good human, countering the many poachers and villains that threaten the jungle. He helps Kimba in practical ways and provides emotional support, reinforcing the young lion’s ideals through their strong, cross-species friendship.