Pumbaa

Pumbaa Gallery

"Talk about your fixer-upper." This article is in the process of an expansion or major restructuring. You are welcome to assist in its construction by editing it as well.

"Do you see any other big, lovable chunk of warthog here?" This article is about the character from the 1994 film. You may be looking for the character from the 2019 film.

Pumbaa
Physical information
Gender	Male
Species	Warthog
Hair color	Black, pink, and red
Eye color	Black
Distinguishing features	•  Large bottom tooth  •  Tusks
Biographical information
Also known as	•  Mr. Pig (by himself)  •  The pig (by Banzai)  •  Uncle Pumbaa (by Bunga and himself)
Status	Living
Residence	•  Pride Lands  •  Hakuna Matata (formerly)
Affiliations	Pride Landers
Relationship information
Family	Bunga (adoptive son) Simba (adoptive son)
Allies	Beshte, Bunga, Fuli, Kiara, Kion, Kovu, Ma, Nala, Ono, Rafiki, Simba, Tiifu, Timon, Uncle Max, Zazu, Zuri
Enemies	Banzai, Ed, Scar, Shenzi, Zira

“

They call me Mister Pig! ―Pumbaa

”

Pumbaa is a male warthog. He is the adoptive uncle of Bunga and Simba.

When Simba fled the Pride Lands, he nearly died from exposure in the desert. However, Pumbaa and his best friend, Timon, rescued the cub and revived him in their jungle home. They proceeded to teach Simba the "Hakuna Matata" lifestyle, and he adopted it readily. Over the seasons, the three became close friends. One day, when Simba was full-grown, his childhood friend Nala found him in the jungle and implored him to return to the Pride Lands and reclaim his birthright. Timon and Pumbaa joined Simba in his quest to take back the throne and participated in the battle of Pride Rock, from which Simba and his allies emerged victorious.

In the seasons following Simba's ascent to kingship, Timon and Pumbaa became frequent babysitters of his rambunctious daughter, Kiara. Additionally, they became adoptive uncles of a young honey badger named Bunga.

Biography

Early life

“

Yeah, I drive almost everyone away. People see me comin', and they run for cover. They can't get out of the way fast enough. ―Pumbaa on his flatulence problem

”

Monkeys collapse due to Pumbaa's flatulence.

When Pumbaa was young, he had a major flatulence problem. Many animals gave him a wide berth due to his stench, which they claimed would "wreck their appetite." Even Pumbaa's friends refused to stand downwind of him. After being abandoned by his friends, Pumbaa suffered immense shame and considered changing his name. He took to living alone, as no one wanted to be around him.

Befriending Timon

“

Pumbaa, this could be the start of a beautiful...acquaintanceship. ―Timon, after he meets Pumbaa

”

While in search of his dream home, Timon wandered into a patch of tall grass. He overheard Pumbaa making snuffling noises in the underbrush and fled in fear. However, Pumbaa chased him, and the two ended up running into each other, which caused them both to scream in fear. After a moment, Timon begged Pumbaa to eat him quickly, but the warthog assured Timon that he had no intentions of eating him. Indignant, Timon demanded to know why Pumbaa had been "stalking" him, and the warthog admitted that he had seen Timon wandering alone and worried about such a small animal being on his own.

Timon and Pumbaa become traveling companions.

Timon questioned Pumbaa as to why he was alone, and Pumbaa confessed that many animals gave him a wide berth, even predators. This intrigued Timon, who claimed that Pumbaa must have a "special power." After examining Pumbaa's hooves and tusks, Timon decided that Pumbaa would provide ample protection for him, and so he recruited the warthog to help him reach Pride Rock. Happy to have companionship, Pumbaa accepted and asked if they were friends. Timon hastily denied this and explained that they were more like "acquaintances." Though somewhat deflated, Pumbaa asserted that it was a good start.

The two introduced themselves, then started off toward Pride Rock. Along the way, they bonded over their love of grubs.

Simba's presentation

“

Uh...I don't do so well in crowds. Maybe we better go around. ―Pumbaa on the crowd of animals at Simba's presentation

”

Together, Timon and Pumbaa journeyed to Pride Rock, only to find a crowd of animals standing around its base for the presentation of Simba. Frustrated, Timon reflected on Rafiki's advice to him: "Look beyond what you see." Pumbaa suggested that Timon look beyond Pride Rock, and Timon repeated Pumbaa's idea as if it were his own. He then spotted a grove of trees beyond Pride Rock and determined that that must be his dream home.

Pumbaa's flatulence causes a crowd of animals to faint.

With Timon in the lead, the duo headed toward the grove. Timon started to cut through the throng of animals, but Pumbaa did not follow him, claiming that he did not do well in crowds. However, Timon grabbed Pumbaa by the tusk and began to tow him through the gathered animals. As the two bulled their way through the crowd, Pumbaa began to sweat nervously, and his stomach gurgled dangerously. Despite Pumbaa's protests, Timon insisted that they keep cutting a path through the animals. Eventually, Pumbaa became so nauseous that he turned back to leave the crowd, but Timon grabbed him by the tail and pulled, which caused Pumbaa to release a massive surge of gas. In the resulting stench, many animals fainted, and some at the front of the crowd, mistaking the faints to be bows, bowed before Simba.

After the gas cleared, Timon praised Pumbaa for his "weapon." Shocked, Pumbaa asked if Timon minded, and the meerkat claimed he did not. The two then continued on to the grove.

Timon's dream home

“

Pumbaa: You know, Timon, I once came across a place that might be just what you're looking for. Spectacular waterfalls, set in a lush tropical oasis. A scrumptious array of— Timon: Hey, hey, hey. Forget it, Pumbaa. I'm a realist, and I'm not gonna go chasing after some fantasy. I'm goin' beyond what I see. —Timon and Pumbaa on the jungle

”

Timon and Pumbaa sleep in their new home.

Timon and Pumbaa arrived at the grove, where Timon set up a hammock. The meerkat gushed about how his new home belonged only to him and that he had no commitments, which made Pumbaa sad. Reluctantly, the warthog turned to go, but Timon told him that he did not have to leave. Pumbaa's mood instantly perked, and he cheerfully informed Timon that he had made them two beds in a nearby cave. The two entered the cave, and Timon fell asleep in the larger of the two nests that Pumbaa had built. Instead of disturbing Timon, Pumbaa simply curled up in the small nest and fell asleep.

One morning, the two woke up to many animals singing and dancing above them. An infuriated Timon complained about the noisy neighbors and went outside to confront them. Upon seeing a massive tower of animals, he took a stick and whacked at the tower, which caused it to teeter. Just before it collapsed, Pumbaa pulled Timon to safety.

Timon and Pumbaa search for a new home.

Following the confrontation, Timon and Pumbaa set off in search of a new home. Along the way, Pumbaa tried to tell Timon about a jungle paradise he had once visited, but Timon insisted that he could not "go chasing after some fantasy." Pumbaa questioned how Timon would know when he had found his dream home, and the meerkat insisted that he was already there. He then gestured at the area around them: the Elephant Graveyard. The two explored the area until Mufasa charged past and started attacking a trio of hyenas. Timon and Pumbaa hid in a nearby elephant skull and watched the scene unfold in horror.

The duo continued their search until they reached an area of geysers. Pumbaa once more tried to bring up the topic of the jungle, but Timon asserted that the geysers were his "home, sweet home." However, in the midst of Timon's ravings, an army of hyenas marched past, and Timon and Pumbaa inconspicuously danced away from the danger.

Pumbaa expresses joy that he and Timon are friends.

Eventually, the two reached a gorge. Though Timon believed the area was his dream home, a stampede of wildebeests soon appeared, and the duo ran for their lives. In the midst of the chase, they got caught in a wildebeest's horns and thrown into a nearby river. At first, Timon was relieved to have escaped the danger, but then he spotted an oncoming waterfall and asked Pumbaa if it was possible for someone to fall off the edge of the Earth. Pumbaa replied that it was not, for the Earth was round like a sphere. The two then fell off the waterfall and into a pool of water below.

That night, Timon gave up his search and told Pumbaa that he could go home. The warthog confessed that he had no home, and Timon worked out that Pumbaa was "all alone in this big empty world." Taking Pumbaa's hoof, Timon admitted that he too was alone and that Pumbaa was the only friend he had ever had. Overjoyed, Pumbaa asked if they were truly friends, and Timon declared that they were and that friends stuck together to the end.

The Lion King

“

At your service, my liege. ―Pumbaa offers his help to Simba

”

Pumbaa and Timon sing "Hakuna Matata" to Simba, during which they teach the cub about their worry-free way of life

Pumbaa makes his first appearance after Mufasa's death when young Simba makes his way into the searing desert. After scaring off some buzzards, Pumbaa leaves Timon to brush himself off and examines the "corpse" of the lion cub, finding out he is in fact still alive. Timon investigates and flies into a fit of fear when he realizes that it's a lion, but Pumbaa insists that even though he is a potential predator, they should keep the cub and raise him on their side. Timon scoffs at this idea, but in the end, Pumbaa gets his way, and he gathers Simba from the sands via his tusks, and the duo make their way back to the jungle.

Pumbaa scoffs at Simba's notion that the Great Kings of the Past watch over them from the stars

When Simba awakens and explains his predicament, Pumbaa is sympathetic and suggest the cub sweep his problems under the rug, or Hakuna Matata, and take one day at a time. Timon and Pumbaa lead Simba into their home, get him used to a diet of insects, and proceed to raise the lion to adulthood according to their philosophy. One night the trio lays out in a clearing and gazes up at the stars, giving their own views of their origin when Pumbaa asks what they are. They coax one out of Simba, but laugh at him, something that drives him away.

A Time later, Timon and Pumbaa stroll through the jungle sing The Lion Sleeps Tonight, the warthog slipping away as a bright blue bug—a dung beetle—catches his eye.

Pumbaa and Timon mourn the blossoming romance between Simba and his childhood friend, Nala

He stalks it in preparation to eat it, but ends up getting chased himself by a lioness hiding in the grasses. Pumbaa's rather speedy escape is halted when he gets stuck under the roots of a tree, but Simba leaps to his rescue. He loses the fight, but reveals the lioness as Nala, his childhood friend and introduces her to his two new friends.

Pumbaa, seeming to forget she was trying to eat him, is pleased to make her acquaintance, but Timon is not so forgiving. Simba tells him to relax, but Nala interjects before it can go any further.

Pumbaa and Timon perform the hula together in order to distract a group of hyenas

The two talk about Kings and successions, and in this conversation, Pumbaa learns Simba is the Pride Land King. He grovels at Simba paws, but Timon laughingly tells him to stop, remarking Simba is not the king, then asking Simba if he really is.

Simba denies this, much to Nala's disappointment, and the two lions request Timon and Pumbaa excuse them for a moment. They do but reluctantly, and presumably at Timon's suggestion, they continue to spy on the two lions from inside the Oasis' dense vegetation. Pumbaa and Timon mourn the loss of their friend to this lioness and after watching the two fight when their attempts to break the couple up are failed (as revealed in 1 1/2) Timon and Pumbaa settle down for a nap. Nala disturbs their slumber looking for Simba, Rafiki appearing and telling the three "The King has returned."

Pumbaa watches Simba ascend Pride Rock

Pumbaa's last appearances are just before, during, and after the battle at pride rock. Pumbaa and Timon vow to fight with Simba till the end, efficiently distracting and mowing down hyenas as Simba battles Scar. During the battle, Pumbaa rescues Timon and Zazu from Shenzi and Banzai, charging into the hyenas after Banzai calls Pumbaa a pig. When Scar is defeated and Mufasa is avenged, Pumbaa, Timon, and the rest of the pride look on as Simba takes his rightful place as king. Pumbaa's very last appearance is on the peak of Pride Rock alongside Simba and Nala, during the presentation of their newborn cub.

The Lion King II: Simba's Pride

“

Don't worry, Kiara! Uncle Pumbaa's comin'! ―Pumbaa to Kiara

”

Pumbaa scolds Kiara for wandering off

After Kiara is presented to the animals at Pride Rock, Pumbaa faints along Timon when Rafiki corrects them by telling them that Kiara is a girl, not a boy. Months pass and Kiara becomes a young, adventurous cub like her father. When Kiara runs off to play, Simba instructs him and Timon to look after her so she doesn't run off to the Outlands. They sneak up from behind Kiara while on a rock, and she and Pumbaa with Timon scream in panic until Kiara falls into a pond. Pumbaa dives in after her and Timon tells him that he is "babysitting" on her. Eventually, she runs off when he and Timon debate over the type of bugs they like. Pumbaa is seen again when Zira encounters Simba and they leave after the confrontation. When Kiara matures into a young adult, Simba again instructs him and Timon to make sure she doesn't get hurt. They stalk Kiara in a James Bond-esque style until she notices when antelopes run over them. She questions their presence, and Timon responds by telling her that he is shopping for various items for the den. Kiara realizes he's lying, and runs away again. The two go after her again, but they lose her.

Pumbaa and Timon stalk Kiara as she embarks on her first hunt

The next morning, when Kovu is teaching Kiara how to hunt, Kovu accidentally runs into Timon. Timon, frightened, thinks he is going to eat him. But when Kiara appears, Pumbaa asks Timon about getting Kovu to scare off the birds from their feeding grounds, but Timon comes up with the same idea moments later, enlisting the lions for their help. It soon turns into a chase until they run into a herd of rhinoceroses.

When Simba is injured from the ambush by Zira and the Outsiders, Pumbaa, Timon, Kiara, and Zazu find and assist him back to Pride Rock. Pumbaa, along with Timon, witnesses Simba confront and banish Kovu from the Pride Lands. Soon after that, Pumbaa and Timon engage in another argument when they discover that Kiara isn't in the den. When Simba arrives, they tell him that Kiara ran away again.

Pumbaa and Timon charge a group of Outsiders

Quickly, Zazu warns Simba that Zira and the Outsiders are approaching the Pride Lands to fight. Immediately, Pumbaa stands alongside Simba and the Pride Landers and mock Zira. During the battle, some Outsider lionesses surround Timon and Pumbaa, which causes Timon to comically use Pumbaa's tail as a shotgun that results in scaring them off. Finally, after the battle is over, he looks alongside Timon and Zazu at Kovu and Kiara's wedding on top of Pride Rock.

The Lion King 1½

Pumbaa agreeing with Timon about telling the viewers their story

“

Timon: Forget it, Pumbaa. I've been dragging you down long enough. I'm goin' home...and I suggest you do the same. Pumbaa: Oh, I—I would if I could, but I can't. Timon: Oh, sure you can, buddy. I won't stop you. Pumbaa: No, I mean...I don't have a home. Timon: You don't? What happened? Are you lost? No place good enough for ya? What, you're all alone in this big empty world? Oh...truth is...I'm all alone, too. Pumbaa, you're the only friend I've ever had. Pumbaa: Y-you mean... Timon: Yeah, Pumbaa...and friends stick together to the end. —Timon and Pumbaa

”

It is at this moment that Pumbaa notices the jungle. The two friends indulge in their new home, enjoying the fun and the food until they stumble across Simba's body whilst playing "bowling for buzzards."

Pumbaa and Timon reunite

Both friends become adopted parents to Simba, Pumbaa doing a much more effective job at raising the exiled prince. They teach and raise him with the philosophy of "Hakuna Matata" until Nala arrives and wins Simba's heart despite Timon and Pumbaa's efforts to stop her. After all their plans end in pain, they give up. Simba and Nala soon argue and break up, however, and Timon is elated by this, though Pumbaa doesn't see them separating as a good thing.

When awakened by Nala the next morning, Timon and Pumbaa are told that Simba needs their help in order to defeat Scar. Thinking that Simba has run out on him, Timon decides to stay behind, which causes him to break his friendship with Pumbaa, who wants to help. Pumbaa goes alone, leaving Timon behind until Timon finds him in a desert, and he restores his friendship with Pumbaa. After the two beat off the hungry hyenas at Pride Rock,

Pumbaa with Timon, Ma, and Uncle Max

Pumbaa meets Ma and Uncle Max and devises a plan to keep the hyenas away from Simba. After mocking the hyenas, Timon and Pumbaa try several tactics to keep the hyenas busy so Ma and Uncle Max can finish their tunnel.

Eventually, they defeat the hyenas, thus helping Simba to reclaim his rightful place as king. After the movie ends, Pumbaa wants to see the movie again, but Timon refuses until several Disney characters come along to see the movie. Timon then surrenders, but Pumbaa warns Timon that he still doesn't do so well in crowds.

The Lion Guard: Return of the Roar

Pumbaa and Timon help a young lioness named Zuri free her claws from a log. The incident prompts Pumbaa to fondly reminisce about the days he and Timon raised Simba, as the formerly young lion repeatedly got his claws stuck in logs. However, before the two can free Zuri, Bunga arrives and distracts Pumbaa, which causes the warthog to eagerly turn to greet his nephew and accidentally free the lioness in a rather painful way. When Bunga is offered a job on the Lion Guard, Pumbaa is at first hesitant, but he is soon won over and congratulates his adopted son on the role. He is so excited that he accidentally unleashes a bit of gas, causing Kion, Bunga, Kiara, Tiifu, and Zuri to flee.

Other roles

The stage musical

Pumbaa retains his role in the film, though he does appear in an extra scene in which Simba saves Timon from a river of crocodiles.

Literature

The Lion King: Six New Adventures

A Tale of Two Brothers

Pumbaa is mentioned when Rafiki tells a story about Mufasa and Scar. It is recounted that he and Timon had rescued Simba and taken him in to live with them in a faraway jungle.

A Snake in the Grass

At the start of the book, Kopa is upset with his friend, Afua, who has found a new playmate in a cheetah cub named Beba. Timon and Pumbaa decide to teach the cub a lesson about friendship by telling him their own story. When Simba was still living with them in the jungle, a giant python named Joka tried to split the friends apart through lies and deceit in order to get Timon alone. His idea worked, and the three friends split up. Simba, however, soon figured out that it was a trap, and when Joka attacked Timon, his friends came to the rescue. After winning the fight, Simba threw Joka down a ravine, and the python was never seen or heard from again. After hearing the story, Kopa admits that maybe he was wrong about Afua and decides to forgive his friend.

Follow the Leader

Timon and Pumbaa appear briefly, bothering an exhausted Simba.

A Little Help From a Friend

Before leaving his daughter Kiara, Simba instructs Kiara to stay near Pride Rock with Timon and Pumbaa beside her at all times. Disappointed, Kiara begins to plot a way to get away from her babysitters so she can go to the western canyon herself. With a devious plot forming in her head, the young cub leads Timon and Pumbaa away from the shelter of Pride Rock.

As the trio make their way through the forest, Timon and Pumbaa begin to search the foliage for grubs, completely forgetting about their duty to oversee Kiara. Taking advantage of the situation, the small cub sneaks away and runs into her childhood friend, Kovu. As the cubs are playing, Kiara hears Pumbaa cry out for help. The two friends immediately race to the source of the voice and find that Timon is hanging unconscious from a vine in a tree. Quickly, the two formulate a plan. While Kovu climbs up the tree and frees Timon, Kiara clambers onto Pumbaa's back and catches the meerkat as he falls. After laying Timon gently in Pumbaa's tusks, Kiara bids her friend farewell, as they both agree that he would not be welcome in the Pride Lands.

On the way back to Pride Rock, Timon revives and thanks Kiara for saving his life. The three friends then agree not to tell anyone about their encounter with Kovu but to merely mention him as a friend.

The Hakuna Matata Magazine Series

All Mud and Motor Mouth

This story depicts how Timon and Pumbaa first came to meet.

Video games

Kingdom Hearts II

Pumbaa appears in Kingdom Hearts II as a resident of the Pride Lands, with a similar role to that of the film.

He was nearly eaten by Nala like in the film and was captured by Shenzi, Banzai, and Ed, though Sora saved him. He and Timon taught Sora, Donald and Goofy about "Hakuna Matata", which means "no worries". He was nervous at the climatic battle against Scar since he was afraid of being eaten by hyenas and the like. Later after Simba reclaimed his kingship, Pumbaa advised Simba to forget his past and showed courage when he protected Nala from Scar's ghost, despite his fear.

Epic Mickey

In the game, Pumbaa is one of the many iconic Disney characters kidnapped by the evil witch Mizrabel in a plot to dominate the Cartoon World. He's imprisoned in Mizrabel' Castle of Illusion and separated from Timon during this time. Mickey Mouse seeks out Pumbaa after rescuing Simba, who requests the safe return of his friends.

Operation Pridelands

After Scar's defeat, Timon and Pumbaa are tasked by Simba to bring the animals of the Pride Lands back to his kingdom.

TV series

The Lion King's Timon & Pumbaa

In the television series, Pumbaa and his friend Timon serve as the main protagonists and are shown to travel a lot and have many adventures. These adventures are usually due to the fact that Pumbaa always wants to do the right thing all the time. Pumbaa again proves to be the brains of the duo but Timon (like in the movies) thinks that he is. In the show, it's also shown that Pumbaa is very popular among the jungle and usually gains the chance to live the glamorous life but gives it up for his best friend Timon. It is also revealed that Pumbaa's last name is "Smith".

Season 1

Pumbaa with his adopted son

In the episode "Kenya Be My Friend?", Pumbaa realizes that Timon forgot their annual celebration Bestest Best Friend Day. After their argument, the two split up to find new best friends, which are their polar opposites Monti and Baampu respectively. When Timon and Pumbaa reconcile, Timon continues to deny forgetting Bestest Best Friend Day to avoid breaking Pumbaa's heart and he offers the warthog the Mister Bug Juicer he gave him.

In "Never Everglades", as Pumbaa believes he laid an egg, he and Timon raise an alligator, whom Timon believes to be an ugly chicken, named by Pumbaa Pumbaa Jr.. Timon is at first reluctant about raising Junior, but he later grows to accept him and finds the alligator (and his girl) a place where they can be properly raised.

Pumbaa introduced to Ned as an elephant

In "Russia Hour", Pumbaa is shown to have an uncle named Boaris, who is very famous in Russia due to his ballet dancing skills. But then, before Boaris' farewell performance, he falls on fish eggs due to Timon throwing it on the ground and goes to the hospital, leaving it up to Pumbaa to perform in his uncle's place. Pumbaa, however, breaks his leg and Timon is forced to stall. But then, Boaris, presumably recovered from his injury, shows up and does his final performance.

In "Uganda Be an Elephant", upon seeing the respect elephants (particularly Ned) earn, Pumbaa suffers from an identity crisis and decides to become an elephant himself, with the help of Timon, so that he can become just as popular. He soon learns that he is perfectly happy being a warthog.

Pumbaa meets Rosebud for his arranged marriage

In "Madagascar About You", it is revealed that an arranged marriage has been set up for Pumbaa years before he was even born. Mr. Buttons presents Pumbaa to his bride-to-be Rosebud and tells the male warthog to not be late for the wedding the next day. Timon and Pumbaa arrive two hours after the wedding was scheduled to begin (much to Buttons' anger), with Pumbaa dressed provocatively. Buttons begins the ceremony, but before the end, Pumbaa belches and knocks down a gazebo onto the lemur, who points out that Pumbaa is violating all the sacred warthog laws. He tells Rosebud that she could choose not to marry Pumbaa if she wants. She, however, is madly in love with Pumbaa's disgusting appearance because she was never allowed to behave as Pumbaa is. He reveals to her that he is faking his crazy appearance. After she calls off the wedding and runs away, Mr. Buttons takes off his lemur costume to reveal that he is actually a disgusting warthog. He chases her off into the sunset, professing his love for her.

Timon and Pumbaa rescue Boudreaux from the alligator, proving themselves brave, wise, and true

In "Okay Bayou?", Timon and Pumbaa take a journey at the Louisiana Bayou to prove themselves brave, wise, and true, with the lesson being taught by Ancient French-speaking possum Boudreaux.

In "The Sky is Calling", Timon and Pumbaa argue over what to do with a meteorite that fell right between them. Rafiki tells them that the meteorite falling between the two is a sign of them no longer having to do anything with each other. Timon and Pumbaa soon suggest that they work together to put the meteorite back up where it belongs, with Pumbaa doing all the work and Timon having nothing to do with it.

Season 2

Pumbaa competes against Mr. Pig

In "New Guinea Pig", it is shown that Pumbaa's tusks can get in his way of doing some activities or passing through some things. As a result, Pumbaa starts to get tired of them and considers trading them to the three natives. The warthog later realizes how useful his tusks are, as he uses them to free Timon and create an ice replica of himself. Pumbaa learns from Timon that his tusks are the most important parts of what makes Pumbaa who he is.

Pumbaa, with Miss Skunk Lady's help, improves his smell in order to win Timon back

In "Animal Barn", Pumbaa competes against a domestic pig for the right to be called "Mr. Pig". When Pumbaa loses every task to Mr. Pig, the warthog feels disheartened but decides to stay in the farm only because he feels honor-bound to the competition, even though he knows that he is going to lose the final round. For the final task, Timon secretly cheats in order to make Pumbaa win.

In "Scent of the South", it is shown that Timon sometimes finds Pumbaa's natural smell disgusting. Believing that he can't be best friends with Timon anymore because of his smell, Pumbaa attempts to improve it with the help of Miss Skunk Lady, all while Timon tries to make himself smelly as he believes Pumbaa's left him for the skunk because of her smell.

Pumbaa talks to his Uncle Ernie

In "Forbidden Pumbaa", Pumbaa (and accidentally Timon) gets abducted by an alien spacecraft and is taken to a vast laboratory. He is used to get cloned into multiple warthogs, likely to include male warthogs for a planet inhabited by female warthog-like creatures.

Pumbaa and Sharla

In "Sense & Senegambia", Pumbaa believes he lost his bug-hunting skills after failing to catch and eat a cricket. Timon thinks this is because there is something wrong with the warthog's senses and so he purchases expensive aids for his friend. Pumbaa later learns from his dream of talking to his Uncle Ernie that he needs to believe in himself in order to do anything he puts his mind to. Pumbaa therefore regains his confidence and succeeds in catching bugs.

In the episode "Home is Where the Hog Is", Pumbaa is revealed to have been a member of a group of warthogs, but by the time he was fully grown, he was banished because of his smell, which was apparently appalling even by warthog standards.

Season 3

Pumbaa competes in the Olympic Jungle Game to fulfill his destiny

In "Big Jungle Game", after having a vision of his destiny of becoming an athlete, Pumbaa joins an Olympic jungle game in order to live out his dream.

In "Boary Glory Days", Timon lies to him saying that his current age is considered to be old age in order to prevent him from disturbing him from his bug hunt. Feeling guilty about his lie, Timon tries to make Pumbaa feel young again by doing young warthog activities. During those activities however, Pumbaa keeps feeling old, but later realizes that he is as young as he feels.

In "Hot Air Buffoons", Pumbaa is shown to have a fear of heights. So when he and Timon stumble upon a hot air balloon race around the world, the warthog attempts to be back on the ground by making something happen to the balloon, as he is convinced by his devil self that Timon would think he's a scaredy-hog if he admits his fear. Later, when Pumbaa learns that Timon himself is afraid sometimes, he decides to come clean with his friend.

Around the World with Timon & Pumbaa

After Pumbaa develops amnesia from getting struck by lightning, Timon attempts to restore his friend's memories

While Timon and Pumbaa traipse the jungle, Pumbaa gets struck by lightning and develops amnesia. In order to restore his friend's memories, Timon attempts to have him recall the events of some of the past episodes of the series, as well as the original film on some occasions.

When Pumbaa gets his memories back, Timon rejoices, only to get struck by lightning and having Pumbaa break the fourth wall by getting the viewers to rewind the tape all the way to the beginning, as it will help Timon remember.

The Lion Guard

"The Rise of Makuu"

When Ono attempts to get Timon and Pumbaa to help wash away Bunga's stink, the two stick up for him, justifying his smell. The four sing "Don't Make a Stink". After the song, Timon and Pumbaa lap up the bugs that land on Bunga's head.

"Bunga the Wise"

After Bunga mistakenly thinks that Rafiki has called him the smartest animal in the Pride Lands, he goes off to tell his adopted uncles, Timon and Pumbaa, who immediately set him up to be a sage.

File:TimonPumbaaBTW.png

Timon and Pumbaa speak with the Lion Guard

When the Lion Guard arrives at Hakuna Matata Falls, they see animals lined up to meet Bunga. Bunga and his adopted uncles, Timon and Pumbaa, sing "Bunga the Wise" with the gathered animals about Bunga's wisdom, much to the Lion Guard's dismay. He then doles out bad advice to the lined up animals.

Seeing the disaster for what it is, Kion attempts to talk Bunga out of his idiocy, but the honey badger refuses to rejoin the Lion Guard. Timon ushers the friends out of Bunga's lair, and the Lion Guard reluctantly leaves.

Later, the Lion Guard sees Bunga at the head of a parade, celebrating his great wisdom. Kion runs up and once again attempts to make Bunga see reason, but the honey badger points out that everyone loves his advice. Timon adds that Bunga had fixed the dam, but just then, the dam breaks and the animals are forced to flee across the plains. Though Timon and Pumbaa call to their adopted son, urging him to flee, Bunga takes off after his friends.

"The Kupatana Celebration"

Pumbaa appears briefly at the Kupatana celebration.

"Fuli's New Family"

When Bunga is bitten by the venomous Ushari, Timon and Pumbaa rush to Rafiki's tree, where they proceed to weep over their adopted son. However, much to their delight, Bunga is proclaimed immune to snake bites, and they invite Fuli to join in the celebrations. At Hakuna Matata Falls, they attempt to serve her bugs, but she politely declines. Unwilling to let her go, Timon begins to make conversation with her and discovers, to his delight, that her fur is incredibly soft. Pumbaa soon joins in on feeling her fur, and an uncomfortable Fuli leaves the celebration.

"The Search for Utamu"

Timon and Pumbaa sing "Utamu"

While the Lion Guard searches for Utamu grubs, Bunga tells his friends about the day he'd met his uncles, Timon and Pumbaa. Long ago, when he'd just been a young honey badger, he'd encountered Timon and Pumbaa singing "Utamu". Instantly smitten, Bunga had begun following them around until Timon had instructed him to climb a tree and fetch them some Utamu grubs. When Bunga had succeeded and given the grubs to Timon, the meerkat had allowed him to stay, and the three have lived together ever since.

When Bunga fails to catch any Utamu, the Lion Guard travels to Hakuna Matata Falls, where Bunga admits to his uncles that he's failed this year. Timon gently reminds the honey badger that they celebrate not because of the Utamu, but because of their relationship with Bunga. They then reveal that Utamu grubs had fallen out of the sky, and the group shares in a feast of grubs.

"Bunga and the King"

When Bunga and Simba get trapped in a sinkhole, Timon and Pumbaa are brought to the caverns in order to help find them. However, the two break down into sobs until they are reunited with their lost sons, who greet them joyously upon being reunited. At the end of the episode, Timon and Pumbaa sing "Hakuna Matata" with the rest of their friends.

"The Imaginary Okapi"

Timon and Pumbaa are briefly seen bathing in a water hole during "You're Gonna Love It Right Here".

"The Trouble With Galagos"

While the galagos are waiting for the Lion Guard at Hakuna Matata Falls, they are frightened away by Pumbaa's flatulence.

"Beware the Zimwi"

When a group of young animals claims to have seen the Zimwi, Pumbaa informs them that Timon is the only animal in the Pride Lands to have survived an encounter with the beast. Though Pumbaa claims that Timon has seen the Zimwi, Timon explains that his mother's cousin's friend knows an ox who was eaten by the Zimwi. Kion questions how the ox could have told anyone about the Zimwi if he had been eaten, and Pumbaa looks to Timon for the answer. At the end of Timon's tale, the Lion Guard resolves to find the Zimwi, and Pumbaa sobs over his adoptive son Bunga's bravery.

"Never Roar Again"

Pumbaa is mentioned during "Stand Up, Stand Out", in which Bunga comments that Pumbaa has always stood out for his gas problem.

"Rafiki's New Neighbors"

Pumbaa and Timon relax at Hakuna Matata Falls before they are interrupted by Chama, Mzaha and Furaha.

"The Ukumbusho Tradition"

Pumbaa helps direct the Lion Guard in practicing their lines for the Ukumbusho Tradition

In Mizimu Grove, Ma Tembo the elephant directs her herd in preparing for the Ukumbusho Tradition.

Under Ma Tembo's direction, the Lion Guard begins practicing their lines. Just then, Timon and Pumbaa arrive to help the Lion Guard with their lines. However, before they can start, Ma Tembo points out that the Lion Guard is traditionally composed of lions only, which prompts Makini to suggest that she paint each Lion Guard member to resemble a lion. Makini dresses up the Lion Guard to resemble lions, then takes off to paint the elephants.

Pumbaa watches the Ukumbusho Tradition

With Makini gone, Timon and Pumbaa attempt to direct the Lion Guard on their lines, claiming that they know best how lions act, since they raised Simba. Kion tries to pitch in his opinion, but Timon silences him, and the duo continue to guide the Lion Guard in their practice.

Presently, Timon becomes frustrated with the Lion Guard for being unable to speak their lines while holding the symbolic Branch of Peace in their mouths. Timon suggests throwing the branch away, but Kion protests that it is essential for the ceremony.

Later, Pumbaa watches Ukumbusho alongside Timon.

"Timon and Pumbaa's Christmas"

Pumbaa, Bunga, and Timon sing "Christmas in the Pride Lands", during which they describe the holiday of Christmas

Rafiki the mandrill teaches his young apprentice, Makini, about the holidays of the Pride Lands. One such holiday intrigues Makini, and Rafiki explains that it is called "Christmas" and that it had been brought to the kingdom by two outsiders, Timon and Pumbaa. He then launches into the tale.

In the Pride Lands, Bunga assists his uncles, Timon and Pumbaa, in decorating an acacia tree with colored gourds. Timon attempts to place a star fruit at the top of the tree, but in doing so, he accidentally snaps a branch and begins to plummet toward the ground. Coincidentally, the Lion Guard arrives at the base of the tree, and Beshte catches the falling Timon on his back.

Pumbaa tells the Lion Guard about Dandy Claws, a mysterious creature that brings gifts on Christmas morning

The Lion Guard then inquires about the oddly decorated tree, and Bunga explains that they are decorating their tree in honor of Christmastime. He claims that Timon and Pumbaa made up the holiday themselves, but the two correct him by saying that they had heard about it from other animals. They add that Christmas is about gift-giving and that a mysterious creature called Dandy Claws often leaves presents for the animals of the savanna. Pumbaa, Timon, and Bunga then sing "Christmas in the Pride Lands", in which they extol the unconventional holiday.

At the conclusion of the song, Timon weeps over Dandy Claws's continued absence, and Pumbaa explains that Dandy Claws only brings presents if animals perform a special song called "The Twelve Ways of Christmas" under the Christmas tree on Christmas morning. This only worsens Timon's mood, and not even Bunga and Pumbaa can cheer him up.

Pumbaa acts suspiciously about Timon in front of Bunga and Ono

Later that day, Bunga and Ono encounter Pumbaa. The two groups converge, and both act suspiciously, denying again and again that they are not planning a Christmas surprise for Timon. They then part ways, with Pumbaa straying toward a patch of white flowers.

The next morning, Bunga hastens to Hakuna Matata Falls, where he awakens his uncles from slumber. At first, Timon is reluctant to wake up, as he does not wish to face another disappointing Christmas, but Bunga insists that the two follow him to the Christmas tree. Once there, Timon and Pumbaa are met by the Lion Guard, who sing "The Twelve Ways of Christmas" to them with some animal recruits.

Pumbaa dresses up as Dandy Claws for a Christmas celebration

After the song, Timon and Pumbaa weep with joy, and Timon thanks the gathered animals for making his Christmas vision come true. Despite Timon's joy, Bunga expresses sorrow that Dandy Claws had not appeared. However, Pumbaa appears dressed in white flowers and a gourd hat, and proclaims that he had hoped to make Timon's Christmas better by dressing up as Dandy Claws. He then admits that he had spent so much time assembling his costume that he'd been unable to buy Timon gifts.

Timon is quick to tell Pumbaa that he is not bothered by the lack of gifts, for the Pride Landers' song and Pumbaa's costume is more than enough of a present. He then reminds Pumbaa that the song had left them with many gifts, including berries and bugs, and the two conclude that this has been their best Christmas yet. The gathered Pride Landers then yell, "Merry Christmas!"

"The Scorpion's Sting"

When Simba is stung by a scorpion, Pumbaa stays by his adopted son's side, mourning the king's illness. He rejoices when Simba recovers.

"Cave of Secrets"

Pumbaa appears in a painting during the musical sequence, "Wisdom on the Walls".

"The Fall of Mizimu Grove"

Pumbaa and Timon sing "Tujiinue"

At Big Springs, Timon and Pumbaa wander by on the trail of a slug. No sooner have they left when Makini arrives and shows off a plant root that will be part of her mpando mpaya, which is the traditional planting of a new baobab tree by a Royal Mjuzi. This prompts Kion to chase after Timon and Pumbaa, and ask them to perform at Makini's mpando mpaya. That way, the Pride Landers will treat it like a celebratory event and have their spirits raised. Delighted, Timon and Pumbaa agree.

At Mizimu Grove, Rafiki and Simba announce the celebration, and Timon and Pumbaa perform their song ("Tujiinue"). In the midst of the celebration, the Army of Scar attacks, and the Pride Landers rise up to defend themselves. The battle pauses when Scar appears in the flames and threatens to overtake the entirety of the Pride Lands. Frightened by Scar's unexpected appearance, the remaining Pride Landers flee Mizimu Grove.

"Battle for the Pride Lands"

Pumbaa is one of the Pride Landers to wave goodbye to the Lion Guard.

"Return to the Pride Lands"

Timon and Pumbaa are extremely excited to see Bunga back in the Pride Lands after their time apart. After their reunion, the three eat Utamu grubs at Hakuna Matata Falls. Timon and Pumbaa then watch the Battle of the Lion Guards. Later, he and Timon are present when Askari speaks to the Pride Landers and when Kion finally masters his Roar by lifting Pride Rock. Later, Pumbaa travels to the Tree of Life alongside the Pride landers to witness Kion's wedding to Rani at the Tree of Life.

House of Mouse

In House of Mouse, Pumbaa makes numerous appearances as one of the recurring guests. A running gag in the show is when Timon attempts to eat Jiminy Cricket but is stopped by Pumbaa. In "Timon and Pumbaa" (a House of Mouse episode), Pumbaa becomes best friends with Donald Duck after an argument with Timon. Pumbaa wants to do comedy for their performance onstage, but Timon wants to do magic. In the end, they are reunited after Timon takes up for him after it is proven that he isn't a very good comedian.

File:PumbaaVSPete.png

Pumbaa used by Pete in "House of Mouse"

Pumbaa is also kidnapped by Pete in a plan to stink up the House of Mouse with his fart-gas, but he is rescued by Donald in the end. In "The Three Caballeros," Pumbaa is the only guest to know the third member of the Caballeros as Donald Duck. In "House of Scrooge," Timon grows tired of Scrooge McDuck's cheap entertainment (His Number One Dime) but Pumbaa wants to stay because it is shiny.

In one episode, Pumbaa and Timon audition for the part of the Genie from Aladdin. In "Not So Goofy," Pumbaa wants to hear Goofy do his signature holler. Unfortunately for Pumbaa, Goofy is acting sophisticated for the night and doffs the mantle.

In the film Mickey's Magical Christmas: Snowed in at the House of Mouse, Pumbaa informs Timon what a "humbug" is after hearing Donald being called such. Timon believed it was a meal.

Wild About Safety

Pumbaa and Timon star in a series of educational shorts, following several guidelines to a safety and healthy life. Much like the television series, Pumbaa acts as the secret brain of the duo, often providing far more information that Timon does. At the end of every episode, Pumbaa suggests (or sometimes beg) that the duo perform a musical

Pumbaa in "Wild About Safety"

number, reflecting all that they've learned in the adventure. Unlike previous appearances, Pumbaa notices Timon's selfishness, laziness, and insults a lot more often and is shown to be easily annoyed by it, though Timon would make up a way to forgive and forget. Pumbaa also takes a more serious tone in the shorts as apposed to other roles. However, he manages to maintain his childlike persona in some episodes most notably in the health episode and at the end when he insists on a musical number.

It's a Small World

Pumbaa, along with Timon, make a brief, non-speaking cameo in the animated mini-series, It's a Small World: The Animated Series, in the episode One Golden Sun.

Disney parks

Pumbaa in the park

Pumbaa is a semi-common character in the Disney parks. He is usually seen only in parades and some shows, but almost never appears as a walk-around character, with the exception of Disney On Ice and the Disney Cruise Line show Disney Dreams!. Pumbaa was also one of the characters that had a lot named for him at the Disneyland parking lot until the remains of the Lion King section of the lot were closed for Disney California Adventure expansion space. Both Pumbaa and Timon are mascots for the Animal Kingdom theme park in Walt Disney World. They are also characters for Park Safety. Pumbaa has his own spell card in the attraction Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom known as "Pumbaa's Ordures Gas".

Festival of the Lion King

In the Festival of The Lion King Pumbaa appears along with Simba and Timon. Unlike Timon, Pumbaa stays on his float like Simba. During the musical number "Hakuna Matata" both Pumbaa and Timon sing.

It's a Small World

Pumbaa makes a cameo appearance in the attraction It's a Small World along with Simba and Timon.

Fantasmic!

In the live nighttime spectacular Fantasmic!, a clip of Pumbaa appears in the bubble montage along with Simba, Nala, Timon and Zazu.

He's also appeared in Fantasmic! at Tokyo Disney Sea in the jungle scene with Simba, Baloo, and King Louie.

Environmental Fable

Pumbaa in a Disney park

At Epcot, Pumbaa and Timon are planning to build a resort that will involve the destruction of the jungle in which they inhabitant. Luckily, Simba enlightens Pumbaa and Timon on how dangerous it is to destroy the environment and how important it is to take care of it.

Wishes

On the Disney Fantasy cruise ship, Pumbaa and Timon appear as the first Disney characters the three high school graduates; Brandon and Nicole and their best bud, Kayla, meet whilst on their journey. The duo also perform "Hakuna Matata".

Safety Smart®: Healthy and Fit!

Timon and Pumbaa perform the song "Healthy and Fit."

Personality and traits

“

Hey, Timon, it's just a little lion. Look at him. He's so cute and all alone. Can we keep him? ―Pumbaa about Simba

”

Due to his friendly, loyal, and protective personality, Pumbaa is generally regarded as a very likable character. However, he displays childlike naivety, which is sometimes confused for stupidity. He does, in fact, come up with some intelligent plans and insightful ideas, which Timon rapidly claims as his own.

Pumbaa is also kind and caring, as shown when he, unlike Timon, takes pity on Simba and is quick to offer his assistance to the young cub. In the sequel, he jumps into a rather shallow body of water to save a supposedly drowning Kiara and offers assistance to a badly injured Simba, carrying him all the way back to Pride Rock after an unexpected ambush by the Outsiders. In addition, Pumbaa generally appears to be polite. Notwithstanding, he expects respect from his enemies, which is indicated when he attacks Banzai after he is addressed as a "pig."

Voice actors

• The Lion King - (1994) - (film) - Ernie Sabella

• The Lion King's Timon & Pumbaa - (1995-1999) - (TV series) - Ernie Sabella, Jim Cummings (elderly)

• The Lion King II: Simba's Pride - (1998) - (film) - Ernie Sabella

• The Lion King 1½ - (2004) - (film) - Ernie Sabella

• Kingdom Hearts II - (2006) - Ernie Sabella

• Timon and Pumbaa's Wild About Safety - (2009-2013) - Ernie Sabella

• The Lion Guard: Return of the Roar - (2015) - (film) - Ernie Sabella

• The Lion Guard - (2016–) - (TV series) - Ernie Sabella

• The Lion King (2019 film) - (2019) - (film) - Seth Rogen

Appearances

Films The Lion King Around the World with Timon & Pumbaa The Lion King II: Simba's Pride The Lion King 1½ The Lion Guard: Return of the Roar Television series The Lion King's Timon & Pumbaa (only a few non-appearances) The Lion Guard "The Rise of Makuu" "The Kupatana Celebration" "Fuli's New Family" "The Search for Utamu" "Bunga and the King" "The Imaginary Okapi" "The Trouble with Galagos" (mentioned) "Beware the Zimwi" "Never Roar Again" (painting) "Rafiki's New Neighbors" "The Ukumbusho Tradition" "Timon and Pumbaa's Christmas" "The Scorpion's Sting" "Cave of Secrets" (painting) "The Fall of Mizimu Grove" "Battle for the Pride Lands" "Return to the Pride Lands"

Trivia

General

One of Pumbaa's numerous cameo appearances

• Pumbaa's name means "be foolish" or "be dumbfounded, be astonished" or "be weak-minded" or "be negligent, be careless, be thoughtless" or "be ignorant" in Swahili.

• Pumbaa dislikes being in big crowds, suggesting he has claustrophobia.

• According to Ernie Sabella, Pumbaa is smarter than Timon.

• Pumbaa's dialogue with Banzai ("Are you talking to me?!") is a reference to a popular scene from the film Taxi Driver. His next line, "They call me Mister Pig," is a reference to the Virgil Tibbs line: "They call me Mister Tibbs."

• In the Timon & Pumbaa episode "Home is Where the Hog Is", it is revealed that Pumbaa's last name is Smith.

• In the Timon & Pumbaa episode "Monster Massachusetts", it is shown that Pumbaa knows magic.

Concept artwork of Pumbaa during "Hakuna Matata"

• In the Timon & Pumbaa episode "Boary Glory Days", Pumbaa is seven years old.

• During the song "Out There" in Disney's The Hunchback of Notre Dame, two men are seen carrying a dead warthog that resembles Pumbaa.

• In the magazine story All Mud and Motor Mouth, it is mentioned that Pumbaa once lived with his parents, brother, and sister.

• In related publications, Pumbaa expresses romantic interest in several characters, including Gertie, Growler's mother, Leslie Lambeau, Pika, and Sharla.

• Timon and Pumbaa make a brief cameo in a background in the film Leroy and Stitch.

• In Aladdin and the King of Thieves, during Aladdin and Jasmine's wedding ceremony, Genie briefly morphs into Pumbaa, quoting the famous "Hakuna Matata!" line to ease Aladdin's nerves. He states that he just had an out-of-movie experience.

Timon and Pumbaa in Leroy and Stitch

• In one of the Disney parody trailers promoting Lilo & Stitch and spoofing The Lion King, during the iconic "Circle of Life" scene, Rafiki holds up what's meant to be baby Simba, but it's Stitch instead, which Timon announces in confusion whilst sitting atop Pumbaa.

• Pumbaa makes a brief cameo in an episode of 101 Dalmatians: The Series, being seen amongst the other farm animals.

• In Enchanted, Pip accidentally transforms himself momentarily into Pumbaa in the DVD extra "Pip's Predicament: A Pop-Up Adventure". In addition, a warthog resembling Pumbaa can be seen at the end of the film with a bunch of animals who are in line to have their books signed by Pip.

In development

• Pumbaa's original name was Harold.

Young Pumbaa concept art

• In the earlier versions of The Lion King, Pumbaa/Harold and Timon grew up with Simba, Nala, Bhati, Tesma, and Iggy.

• There was an idea for Pumbaa and Timon to sing the complete "Can You Feel the Love Tonight", but it was cut for being too grotesque.

• One of Pumbaa’s defining characteristics was the way he rubbed his belly. The inspiration for the tick: animator Tony Bancroft's then-pregnant wife, who would often rub her own protruding belly. Bancroft thought that the action would make Pumbaa more "human and relatable."