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Warthogs are a species of animal native to the jungle and the Pride Lands. They feed on grubs and are preyed upon by hyenas and lions.
History[]
Pumbaa's self-exile[]
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When Pumbaa was young, he had a major flatulence problem that led many animals, even his friends, to give him a wide berth.[1] As a result, he took to living on his own, as no one wanted to be around him.[2]
Pumbaa's friendship with Timon[]
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Timon mistakes Pumbaa for a predator.
One night, Pumbaa spotted a meerkat named Timon wandering by himself and became concerned for his safety. Upon noticing Pumbaa in the underbrush, Timon mistook him for a predator and fled, only for the two to run into and frighten one another. Though Timon cowered in fear, Pumbaa assured him that he was not going to eat him, then explained that he had simply been worried about such a small animal being on its own.
Timon wondered why Pumbaa was alone himself, and Pumbaa confessed that most animals gave him a wide berth. Intrigued, Timon deduced that Pumbaa must have a "special power." Believing the warthog would make the perfect bodyguard, Timon invited him along to Pride Rock. Pumbaa questioned if this meant they were friends, but Timon clarified that they were more like "acquaintances." Continuing on toward Pride Rock, the duo bonded over their love of grubs.

Pumbaa's flatulence causes the Pride Landers to faint.
Once at Pride Rock, Timon and Pumbaa witnessed the presentation of Simba. At Timon's insistence, they entered the crowd, which triggered Pumbaa's flatulence. Overcome by the stench, many of the gathered Pride Landers fainted.
That night, Timon and Pumbaa sheltered in a cave, only to be awoken one morning by a raucous gathering of Pride Landers led by Simba and Nala. Intent on finding a more peaceful home, Timon insisted that they move on. First, he and Pumbaa tried to live in the Elephant Graveyard but got scared away by an army of hyenas. Next, they set up residence in the gorge. However, a stampede of wildebeests chased them and caused them to fall into a nearby river. The current then carried them over a waterfall.

Timon and Pumbaa decide to live in the jungle.
Come evening, Timon despaired that he would never find his dream home and encouraged Pumbaa to return home. Terrified that he would be abandoned, Pumbaa confessed that he did not have a home, and Timon realized that they were both alone. At last, he admitted that they were friends, to Pumbaa's delight.
The next morning, the pair realized that they had arrived at a jungle paradise and resolved to take up permanent residence there. Over the seasons, they adopted a carefree "Hakuna Matata" lifestyle.[2]
Pumbaa's friendship with Simba[]
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Timon and Pumbaa revive Simba.
One day, Timon and Pumbaa went bowling for porcupines, which resulted in Timon getting injured. Pumbaa suggested that they bowl for buzzards instead, and Timon reluctantly agreed.[2] After chasing off some vultures in the desert, the duo realized that the flock had been about to eat Simba, a lion cub. Though Timon urged Pumbaa to run, Pumbaa pointed out that Simba was small and asked if they could keep him. Timon reminded Pumbaa that Simba would get bigger, but Pumbaa posited that he may be on their side someday. At first, Timon dismissed the idea, but after a moment of thought, he claimed the idea as his own and agreed to let Pumbaa carry Simba to safety.
At a nearby jungle pool, Timon and Pumbaa revived Simba, who simply thanked them before walking back off into the desert. Concerned for him, the pair caught up to him and questioned him on his past. Unwilling to provide details, Simba claimed that he had done something terrible and expressed an interest in changing the past. Timon and Pumbaa proceeded to teach him about their "worry-free" philosophy, during which Pumbaa divulged his own troubling childhood. Eventually, Simba agreed to eat grubs only, and so, the duo allowed him to live with them.[1]

Timon, Pumbaa, and Simba stargaze.
As Simba grew up, he often got into trouble that required Timon or Pumbaa to save him. Eventually, when he was an adolescent, he challenged Timon to a snail-slurping contest and won. Realizing that he had grown up, Timon and Pumbaa lamented how quickly time had passed.[2]
One night, as the trio was stargazing, Pumbaa asked Timon what the stars were, and he claimed that they were fireflies that had gotten stuck in the sky. Pumbaa confessed that he had always believed they were "balls of gas burning billions of miles away," to which Timon joked that Pumbaa revolved around gas. The duo then asked Simba his opinion, and he shared his father Mufasa's story about the Great Kings of the Past. To Simba's sorrow, Timon and Pumbaa merely laughed at him.

Timon and Pumbaa resolve to ruin Simba and Nala's romance.
The next morning, Pumbaa began to stalk a beetle, only to be attacked by a full-grown Nala. Terrified, he fled and ended up getting stuck beneath a log. Just before Nala could attack him, Simba leaped to his defense, and the two lions fought. Over the course of their fight, Simba realized his foe's identity and introduced her to Timon and Pumbaa as his "best friend." To the duo's shock, Nala revealed that Simba was, in fact, a king.
Wanting some alone time with Nala, Simba sent Timon and Pumbaa away.[1] Though the pair tried their best to ruin the couple's romantic night, they failed and eventually conceded that Simba was no longer a part of their friend trio. Shortly afterwards, they witnessed Simba and Nala fighting, which concerned Pumbaa and delighted Timon.[2]
Battle for Pride Rock[]
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Timon and Pumbaa attempt to distract the hyenas during the battle for Pride Rock.
The next morning, Rafiki revealed that Simba had decided to return to the Pride Lands to take his place as king. While Nala and Pumbaa immediately set out to help their friend, Timon lingered behind until he realized that "Hakuna Matata" was not the same without his friends. He soon caught up to Pumbaa, and the two journeyed to the Pride Lands together.[2] Once there, they resolved to help Simba defeat his uncle, Scar, and reclaim his birthright.
Upon sneaking closer to Pride Rock, the group determined that they needed live bait in order to distract the hyenas. Working together, Timon and Pumbaa lured the hyenas away from Pride Rock,[1] and Pumbaa defeated them with his flatulence. No sooner had the hyenas ran off when Timon's Ma and Uncle Max approached, and Timon introduced them to Pumbaa. They then worked together to distract the hyenas and dig a trap tunnel underneath them. Though the tunnel initially failed, Timon heroically completed it himself, causing the hyenas to fall to the base of Pride Rock.[2]
Simba's coronation[]
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With Scar dead and his hyena army defeated, Simba became the new king of Pride Rock. Shortly before his coronation ceremony, he hugged Timon and Pumbaa, and asserted that he could not have succeeded without them. He then ascended Pride Rock and roared over his kingdom, while Timon and Pumbaa watched proudly.[2]
Kiara's presentation[]
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Seasons later, Simba and Nala had a daughter named Kiara, whom they presented to the Pride Landers at Pride Rock. After the ceremony, Timon and Pumbaa expressed excitement at the prospect of spending time with "the little guy," only for Rafiki to clarify that Kiara was, in fact, a girl. Shocked, Timon and Pumbaa fell over in dead faints.[3]
Pumbaa adopts Bunga[]
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Timon and Pumbaa adopt an infant Bunga.
One rainy season, Timon and Pumbaa were searching for Utamu grubs when they were approached by an infant honey badger. Hoping to throw him off their trail, Timon sent him to fetch some grubs, only for the honey badger to unexpectedly do as commanded. Pumbaa remarked that he was "cute" and asked if they could keep him, but Timon refused, pointing out that they had already raised a lion.
In order to test the honey badger, Timon sent him to fetch Utamu grubs from a tree. To his and Pumbaa's shock and delight, the infant succeeded in doing so. Pumbaa then dubbed the honey badger "Bunga," and Timon permitted him to live with them at Hakuna Matata Falls.[4]
Pumbaa babysits Kiara[]
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When Kiara was a cub, Simba tasked Timon and Pumbaa with babysitting her. As the duo trailed her, she noticed their approach and got spooked, falling into a nearby pond. In an attempt to save her, Pumbaa jumped in after her, only to accidentally land on top of her. Eventually, she struggled out from underneath him, and he reminded her that she should have known better than to wander off all alone. Timon proceeded to fret over her condition, while she struggled to assert her own opinion.

Pumbaa chides Kiara for having wandered off on her own.
Eventually, Timon and Pumbaa got distracted by some nearby grubs. Though Timon offered a grub to Pumbaa, he spat it out and complained that he liked slimy grubs better. Timon retorted that crunchy grubs were the best, and the two rapidly devolved into arguing, during which time Kiara snuck away from them.
Shortly afterwards, Timon and Pumbaa joined Simba and his pride in confronting Zira for trespassing in the Pride Lands. Once she and her son, Kovu, had returned to the Outlands, Timon and Pumbaa followed Simba's pride back to Pride Rock.[3]
Dawn of the Lion Guard[]
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Bunga requests permission from Timon and Pumbaa to join the Lion Guard.
One day, Timon and Pumbaa attempted to help Zuri free her claws from a fallen tree. However, when Bunga approached, Pumbaa got startled and accidentally broke Zuri's claw, causing her to fall into a nearby log. Realizing that the log was full of grubs, Timon and Pumbaa dove in to join her and began to feast.
Afterwards, Bunga informed Timon and Pumbaa that Kion had invited him to join the Lion Guard. Initially, the duo was hesitant to allow Bunga to join, with Pumbaa noting that it sounded dangerous, but when Kion called Bunga "the bravest animal he knew," they relented. Pumbaa became so overwhelmed by excitement that he passed gas, which caused Kiara, Tiifu, Zuri, and Kion to flee.[5]
Bunga's odor[]
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Concerned that Bunga's stench would affect the Lion Guard's performance, Ono confronted Timon and Pumbaa about it at Hakuna Matata Falls. They, however, defended Bunga's stink. Afterwards, grubs got attracted to Bunga's face, and Timon and Pumbaa lapped them up eagerly.[6]
Bunga the Wise[]
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Timon and Pumbaa proclaim Bunga's wisdom.
When Bunga mistakenly believed that Rafiki had called him wise, he informed Timon and Pumbaa. They, in turn, set him up as a sage and allowed animals from all over the Pride Lands to consult him for advice. Though the Lion Guard attempted to convince Bunga to rejoin their team, he refused.
Shortly afterwards, Timon and Pumbaa partook in a parade that was celebrating Bunga's purported wisdom. Once more, the Lion Guard tried to make Bunga see reason, but he pointed out that the Pride Landers loved his advice, and Pumbaa added that Bunga gave good advice. Timon tried to argue that Bunga had helped fix a dam, only for the dam in question to suddenly burst and begin to flood the nearby savanna. Terrified, Timon and Pumbaa fled, urging Bunga to run as well, but he opted to rejoin the Guard instead.[7]
Kupatana[]
Timon and Pumbaa attended the Kupatana celebration at Mizimu Grove.[8]
Bunga's immunity[]
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Timon and Pumbaa feel Fuli's fur.
One day, Bunga got bitten by Ushari, an Egyptian cobra, and so, the Lion Guard rushed him to Rafiki's tree for healing. Timon and Pumbaa met them there, where they proceeded to break down in tears over Bunga's condition. However, to their relief, Rafiki declared that honey badgers were immune to snake bites. To celebrate, Timon and Pumbaa invited the Lion Guard to a feast at Hakuna Matata Falls, but only Fuli was able to attend.
Come time for the feast, the duo attempted to serve Fuli grubs, but she declined. As he spoke with her, Timon realized that her fur was incredibly soft, and he and Pumbaa both began to rub against her, to her discomfort. Eventually, she decided to leave and hunt solo.[9]
Utamu season[]
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At the peak of the rainy season, Bunga resolved to find Utamu grubs for Timon and Pumbaa. However, when he finally located some, he accidentally lost them in a ravine. Despondent, he admitted to his adoptive uncles that he had failed them, but they reminded him that they did not celebrate because of the Utamu, but because of Bunga himself. They then revealed that Utamu grubs had fallen out of the sky, and the trio happily shared in a feast of grubs.[4]
Sinkhole[]
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Pumbaa performs "Hakuna Matata".
When Bunga and Simba got trapped in a sinkhole, they resolved to navigate Nandembo Caverns in order to find a way out. Hoping to meet them in the underground tunnels, the Lion Guard entered the caverns with Timon and Pumbaa, only for the duo to sob over the loss of their adoptive nephews.
Eventually, the Lion Guard, Timon, and Pumbaa heard Bunga's and Simba's voices and followed them to where the pair were trapped on the other side of a ravine. Getting an idea, Simba instructed Bunga to climb onto his back, then leaped across the divide. Once the two had landed safely, they had a delighted reunion with Timon and Pumbaa. Afterwards, the group traveled to Mizimu Grove, where they performed "Hakuna Matata" for Ma Tembo's herd.[10]
Christmas[]
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Pumbaa dresses up as Dandy Claws for Christmas.
On Christmas Eve, Timon, Pumbaa, and Bunga decorated an acacia tree with colored gourds. As they worked, the Lion Guard approached and wondered what they were doing, to which they explained the holiday of "Christmas." Timon lamented how the mysterious creature Dandy Claws never left them gifts, and Pumbaa explained that Dandy Claws only brought presents if animals performed a special song called "The Twelve Ways of Christmas" under the Christmas tree on Christmas morning. After the conversation, the Lion Guard volunteered to help Bunga put on a Christmas celebration for Timon and Pumbaa.
The next morning, Bunga awoke his adoptive uncles and brought them to a clearing, where the Lion Guard and their Pride Lander friends performed "The Twelve Ways of Christmas". At the completion of the song, Timon and Pumbaa wept with joy. Pumbaa then dressed up as Dandy Claws and appeared before Timon, explaining that he had hoped to make Timon's Christmas better by dressing up as Dandy Claws. He went on apologetically that he had spent so much time assembling his costume that he had neglected to get Timon any gifts. Timon, however, pointed out that the Pride Landers' song and Pumbaa's costume had been more than enough. The duo concluded that it had been their best Christmas yet.[11]
Ukumbusho[]
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Timon, Pumbaa, and Makini attend the Ukumbusho Tradition.
On the day of the Ukumbusho Tradition, Timon and Pumbaa arrived at Mizimu Grove to help the Lion Guard practice their lines. After Makini painted the Guard to resemble lions, Timon and Pumbaa took over directing them, claiming that they knew best how lions acted because they had raised Simba.
When it came time for the ceremony, Timon and Pumbaa watched from the audience. In the midst of the celebration, a swarm of bees attacked the elephants, causing them to flee Mizimu Grove. Once they had been calmed by the Lion Guard, they returned to the event, and Timon and Pumbaa pushed for the celebration to continue.[12]
Kumbuka[]
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Timon and Pumbaa attended the Kumbuka celebration. In the midst of the event, a scorpion named Sumu stung Simba's tail, causing him to collapse. Panicked, Timon and Pumbaa rushed to his side. As Rafiki tended to Simba in the den of Pride Rock, Timon and Pumbaa remained by his side. Eventually, the Lion Guard arrived with the antidote, volcanic ash, and Rafiki administered it. Before long, Simba began to recover, to his friends' and family's relief.[13]
Scar's attack on Mizimu Grove[]
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Timon and Pumbaa perform "Tujiinue" for Makini's mpando mpaya.
On the day of Makini's mpando mpaya, Timon and Pumbaa tracked a snail through the Pride Lands. As they did so, Kion approached them and requested that they perform at Makini's mpando mpaya. Excited by the prospect of theatrics, they agreed.
That evening, Timon and Pumbaa performed "Tujiinue" at Mizimu Grove for a crowd of Pride Landers. In the midst of the performance, the Army of Scar attacked. Unsure what to do, the duo continued singing. However, when the spirit of Scar manifested in a nearby fire, they cowered behind their rock stage. Afterwards, they returned to Hakuna Matata Falls for beauty rest.[14]
Lion Guard's trip to the Tree of Life[]
As the Lion Guard readied to begin their journey to the Tree of Life, Timon and Pumbaa arrived at Pride Rock to bid them farewell.[15]
Kiara's first hunt[]
“ | Timon: Tango-Charlie-Alpha. What's your position? Pumbaa: Uh, upright, head turned slightly to the left, tail erect.
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Timon and Pumbaa tail Kiara during her first hunt.
On the day of Kiara's first hunt, Timon and Pumbaa gathered with the pride at Pride Rock to see her off. As she began her hunt, they burst into tears. Shortly after she had gone, Simba ordered Timon and Pumbaa to follow her secretly and ensure that she did not come to harm.
Though Timon and Pumbaa did their best to follow Kiara without revealing themselves, she eventually spotted them and realized that her father had broken his promise to let her hunt solo. Furious, she opted to hunt away from the Pride Lands. Timon and Pumbaa chased after her, begging her to come back, but soon lost track of her.[3]
Pumbaa's day with Kovu and Kiara[]
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The next morning, Timon and Pumbaa attempted to chase a flock of birds away from an area that was rich with grubs. When they were unable to do so, they appealed to Kovu for help, and he and Kiara roared to scare off the birds. Together, the four ran through the flock, scattering them, until they accidentally ran into a herd of rhinoceroses. Incited, the herd chased after them until they took shelter in a nearby rocky crevice. Once the stampede had passed, the friends emerged unscathed.[3]
Kovu's exile[]
“ | Timon: Here, hold me back. Pumbaa: Okay! Timon: Let me at 'im! Let me at 'im! Pumbaa: Okay! |
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When Simba got injured in an ambush set by the Outsiders, Pumbaa helped carry him back to Pride Rock. That evening, Kovu begged Simba for forgiveness, but Simba refused to believe him and exiled him from the Pride Lands. All the while, Timon and Pumbaa looked on from Pride Rock.[3]
Reunification of the Outsiders and Pride Landers[]
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That night, Timon and Pumbaa once more lost track of Kiara and devolved into squabbling over whose fault it was. Just then, Simba approached, and Timon revealed that Kiara had vanished. Before Simba could react, Zazu arrived with news that the Outsiders were attacking the Pride Lands. While Simba ordered Zazu to find Kiara, he urged Timon and Pumbaa to help him rally the lionesses.

Timon threatens to unleash Pumbaa's flatulence.
Together, the pride, Timon, and Pumbaa confronted the Outsiders. During the ensuing battle, Timon and Pumbaa attempted to attack an Outsider, only to flee in terror instead. Several Outsiders pursued them, eventually cornering them against a rock wall, until Timon threatened to unleash Pumbaa's flatulence. Terrified, they fled.
Eventually, Kovu and Kiara intervened in the battle and persuaded the Outsiders to join Simba's pride. As one, the pride returned to Pride Rock and celebrated the marriage of Kovu and Kiara. From the crowd, Timon and Pumbaa watched joyfully and burst into happy tears.[3]
Battle of the Lion Guards[]
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When Bunga returned to the Pride Lands from his trip to the Tree of Life, Timon and Pumbaa reunited with him at Pride Rock. Afterwards, the trio shared in a feast of Utamu grubs at Hakuna Matata Falls.
Later, Timon and Pumbaa spectated the Battle of the Lion Guards. During Bunga's competition, they cheered him on. They likewise witnessed the final contest between Kion and Vitani, during which Kion forfeited his title as the leader of the Lion Guard to Vitani. He then demonstrated the power of the Roar of the Elders by lifting Pride Rock, while his audience watched in awe.[16]
Kion's coronation[]
Timon and Pumbaa attended Kion's wedding to Rani at the Tree of Life.[16]
Physical characteristics[]
Warthogs are moderately sized animals. They have short red fur, with black hooves and manes, white tusks, and pink inner ears. Their eyes can be black.[1]
Sociocultural characteristics[]
“ | Timon: We're on her like stink on a warthog! Pumbaa: Hey! Timon: It's a hard truth, Pumbaa. Live with it.
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Warthogs are known for their grotesque habits, particularly their stench. They feed on grubs and are preyed upon by hyenas and lions. They can live in jungle or savanna habitats.[1][3]
Notable warthogs[]
Appearances[]
References[]
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