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| Zazu | |||
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Black | ||
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Zazu is a male hornbill. He currently serves as the majordomo of the Pride Lands.
Initially, Zazu served as Mufasa's majordomo. However, after the king's untimely death, Zazu was imprisoned and forced to serve the crown by Mufasa's younger brother and the successor to the throne, Scar. Eventually, Mufasa's son, Simba, returned to the Pride Lands and challenged Scar's right to rule. In the ensuing battle, Zazu fought against Scar's hyena minions and supported Simba's claim to the throne. Once Simba defeated Scar and took his place as the king of Pride Rock, Zazu served as his majordomo.
Biography
Early life
Zazu lived in the Pride Lands. At some point in his life, he became Mufasa's majordomo.[1]
Simba's presentation
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Zazu bows to Mufasa at Simba's presentation.
Zazu attended Simba's presentation at Pride Rock. He flew to the promontory and bowed before Mufasa.[1] During the cub's presentation, Zazu marveled that the animals were bowing before Simba, unaware that they had actually passed out from Pumbaa's flatulence.[2]
After the ceremony, Scar taunted a mouse and lamented how he would never be king. Zazu approached and warned Scar that Mufasa was coming, as he was angry with Scar for having missed Simba's presentation. Annoyed at Zazu for distracting him and letting his prey escape, Scar commented sarcastically that he was afraid, then began to advance on Zazu. The hornbill backed away and told Scar not to look at him "that way," but Scar did not back down. Zazu took to the air and yelled for help, only for Scar to catch him in his mouth.
Zazu confronts Scar.
Just then, Mufasa arrived and ordered Scar to drop Zazu. Once free, Zazu reminded Scar that, as the king's brother, he should have been first in line at Simba's presentation. Scar retorted that he had been "first in line" until Simba had been born. Though Mufasa tried to get Scar to show respect for Simba's title, Scar merely turned his back on his brother. Incited, Mufasa asked Scar if he was challenging him, but Scar claimed that he was not. Zazu asked why not, and Scar explained that Mufasa had more brute strength than he did.
Once Scar had departed, Zazu comforted Mufasa by reminding him that every family had a bad egg and that his own family had two. Mufasa pondered what he should do with Scar, and Zazu joked that he could turn Scar into a throw rug and that, whenever Scar got dirty, Mufasa could take him out and beat him.[1]
Morning report to Mufasa
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Simba pounces on Zazu.
Seasons later, when Simba was a cub, Zazu reported to Mufasa. However, while Zazu was delivering his morning report, Mufasa began teaching Simba how to pounce. Confused, Zazu asked what was going on, and Mufasa explained that he was giving Simba a pouncing lesson. Horrified, Zazu protested the idea, but Mufasa indicated for him to turn around, and so Zazu did so reluctantly. Before long, Simba pounced and pinned Zazu to the ground, which amused Mufasa.
Just then, the mole emerged from underground and informed Zazu that hyenas were in the Pride Lands. Zazu passed on the message to Mufasa, who ordered him to take Simba home. In the face of Simba's disappointment, Zazu assured him that, one day, it would be his job to chase out those "slobbering, mangy, stupid poachers."[1]
Rescuing Simba and Nala
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Simba and Nala mock Zazu.
Later, Sarabi tasked Zazu with babysitting Simba and his best friend, Nala, at the water hole. While en route to the water hole, Zazu noticed the cubs whispering and, touched by the scene, praised their blossoming romance. Confused, the cubs asked what he meant, and he explained that they were betrothed. Though both Simba and Nala reacted with disgust, Zazu insisted that it was a Pride Lands tradition. Simba asserted that, once he was king, he would get rid of such a tradition, to which Zazu countered that he would never let that happen. Simba tried to "fire" Zazu, only for Zazu to remind him that he was not the king yet. Nala pointed out that Simba was the future king, and Simba added that Zazu had to do whatever he told him, but Zazu shot back that Simba was shaping up to be a "pretty pathetic" king.
In the face of Zazu's criticisms, Simba bragged about his future reign as king, and Nala backed him up. Eventually, the cubs' antics went so far that a tower of animals who were singing Simba's praises fell on top of Zazu. Meanwhile, Simba and Nala took advantage of the situation to escape Zazu's supervision.
The hyenas put Zazu in the birdie boiler.
Eventually, Zazu freed himself from the animals and caught up to Simba and Nala at the Elephant Graveyard. Though he tried to warn them of the imminent danger, Simba mockingly called him "banana beak" and claimed that he laughed in the face of danger. Just then, Shenzi, Banzai, and Ed emerged from a nearby elephant skull and surrounded the cubs. Zazu tried to pass off his and the cubs' presence in the Elephant Graveyard as a navigational error, but Shenzi stepped on his tail and called him "Mufasa's little stooge." Zazu clarified that he was the king's majordomo, and Simba revealed that he was the future king.
The hyenas threatened the cubs for being in their territory, but Simba asserted that they could not do anything to him. Zazu warned Simba that they were at the hyenas' mercy, since they were on their land, but Simba reminded Zazu that he had called the hyenas nothing but "slobbering, mangy, stupid poachers."
Zazu arrives at the Elephant Graveyard with Mufasa to rescue Simba and Nala.
Frantically, Zazu insisted that he and the cubs must go, but Shenzi urged them to stay for dinner. The hyenas proceeded to make jokes about how they would eat the cubs, during which Zazu, Simba, and Nala took the opportunity to run away. However, as Zazu was escaping, the hyenas grabbed him by the tail and took him to a geyser called the "birdie boiler." Before long, the geyser erupted, and Zazu shot into the air.
Once free of the hyenas, Zazu fetched Mufasa and led him to the Elephant Graveyard. Once there, Mufasa chased off the hyenas and led Simba and Nala home. Upon returning to the Pride Lands, Mufasa ordered Zazu to take Nala home while he disciplined Simba. Before leaving with Nala, Zazu wished Simba luck.[1]
Stampede and Mufasa's death
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The next day, while patrolling near the gorge with Mufasa, Zazu noted that a wildebeest herd was on the move, and Mufasa commented that that was odd. Just then, Scar ran up and informed Mufasa that Simba was trapped in the midst of a wildebeest stampede.
Zazu finds Simba in the midst of a wildebeest stampede.
While Mufasa and Scar raced toward the gorge, Zazu flew ahead and pinpointed Simba clinging to a dead tree in the midst of the stampede. Simba begged Zazu for help, and Zazu promised Simba that Mufasa was on the way. He then informed Mufasa of Simba's prone position. As Mufasa leaped into the stampede to rescue his son, Zazu began to panic and resolved to fetch help, only for Scar to knock him unconscious.
After Mufasa fell to his death in the stampede, Scar reported on his death, as well as Simba's purported death, to the pride. During Scar's eulogy, Zazu laid a comforting wing on Sarabi's paw. Toward the end of Scar's speech, he announced that he was going to integrate the hyenas into the pride, which horrified Zazu and the lionesses.[1]
Serving Scar
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Following his rise to power, Scar allowed his hyena minions to decimate the Pride Lands, and the kingdom suffered a famine. Furthermore, he imprisoned Zazu in a bone cage in the den of Pride Rock and forced him to sing songs for him.
Scar chastises Zazu for his mention of Mufasa's name.
One day, while Zazu was singing a mournful song, Scar threw a bone at his cage and urged him to sing something with a little "bounce" in it. Zazu started to sing "It's a Small World", but Scar insisted that he sing something else. Obediently, Zazu switched to "I've Got a Lovely Bunch of Coconuts", only to stop singing partway through and lament how he had never had to sing for Mufasa. Enraged, Scar lunged at Zazu and reminded him that it was against the law to speak Mufasa's name. He then asserted that he was the king. Zazu acknowledged Scar's kingship and claimed to have only mentioned Mufasa so that he could compare the two kings' managerial approaches.
Just then, Shenzi, Banzai, and Ed entered the den and complained about their hunger. Scar offered to feed them Zazu, to which Zazu argued that he would be too "tough" and "gamey." Scar countered that all Zazu needed was "a little garlic."[1]
Battle for Pride Rock
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During the battle of Pride Rock, Banzai chased Timon into the den of Pride Rock. Upon spotting Timon, Zazu begged for help, but Timon instead hopped into the cage with Zazu in an attempt to escape Banzai. Just before he could eat Timon, Pumbaa entered the den and charged at him and Shenzi. Together, Timon, Pumbaa, and the newly liberated Zazu beat up the hyenas and chased them out of the den. After their victory, the three whooped and cheered.[1]
Simba's coronation
Zazu witnesses Simba's coronation.
Once Simba defeated Scar and the hyenas ran off, rain began to fall on the Pride Lands, extinguishing the fires that had ignited around Pride Rock. As Simba approached his pride, Zazu bowed to him. Shortly afterward, Simba ascended Pride Rock to reclaim his birthright, while Zazu watched in awe.
Seasons later, when the Pride Lands had been restored to its former glory, Simba and Nala had a cub, whom Rafiki presented to the Pride Landers. Zazu attended the ceremony.[1]
Kiara's presentation
Zazu attended the presentation of Simba and Nala's daughter, Kiara, at Pride Rock.[3]
Saving Kion from Pua's float
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Zazu offers himself in place of Kion.
One day, Zazu was babysitting Simba's young son, Kion, and his best friend, Bunga. However, as Zazu was watching the two youngsters, he got distracted by Fuli, and Kion and Bunga escaped his care. Once on their own, the cubs intruded on Pua's territory. Just before the crocodiles could eat them, Zazu arrived and informed Pua that Kion was Simba's son. Makuu argued that the crocodiles had a right to eat Kion and Bunga, for they had intruded on their float's territory and challenged them, and Pua added that Simba respected the crocodile way.
Zazu asserted that he respected crocodile traditions as well but that, since Kion was his charge, he would have to offer himself in the cub's place. He then stepped into Makuu's open mouth. Impressed by the hornbill's bravery and reluctant to incite Simba's wrath, Pua let Zazu, Kion, and Bunga leave his territory unharmed. Zazu then ushered Kion and Bunga out of the crocodiles' territory before Pua could change his mind.[4]
Warning Kiara about the Outsiders
| “ | Simba: And stay away from the Outlands. Zazu: Nothing there but a bunch of backstabbing, murderous Outsiders!
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Upon growing into a cub, Kiara expressed interest in exploring the Pride Lands. One day, Simba warned her to stay away from the Outlands, and Zazu elaborated that there was nothing there but "backstabbing, murderous" Outsiders. Following Kiara's encounter with Kovu and Zira, Zazu flew back to Pride Rock with Simba's pride.[3]
Dawn of the Lion Guard
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After Kiara informed Simba that Kion had invited Bunga to join the Lion Guard, Zazu found Kion and led Simba, Kiara, and Tiifu to him. Simba lectured Kion about his duties as the leader of the Lion Guard, then left with Zazu.[5]
Habitat change
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When Makuu forced Basi's pod out of Big Springs, he upset the habitats of the Pride Lands. As the ripple effects of Makuu's invasion spread, Zazu learned that the giraffes had been pushed into Nyani Grove and reported his findings to Kiara.[6]
Aminifu's funeral
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Zazu coaches Simba on his elephantese.
While Kiara stayed behind to watch over the Pride Lands, Zazu met with Simba and Nala to begin their journey to Kilio Valley for Aminifu's funeral. Along the way, Simba worried about his upcoming tribute in the elephant language, and Zazu pointed out that elephants took their traditions very seriously. Simba continued to worry, so Zazu assured him that it was only one phrase. He then bragged about his own skill in various animal languages and told Simba that, by the time they arrived at Kilio Valley, he would be able to talk just like an elephant. Unbeknownst to the trio, they were being spied upon by Mzingo, who resolved to keep an eye on the doings of the Pride Landers.
As Mzingo flew away, Simba began to lament his kingly responsibilities, and Zazu reminded him that he had plenty of enjoyable duties. After Simba regained his confidence, Zazu began to coach Simba on his Elephantese accent. During one such Elephantese lesson, Simba asked what his speech actually meant, and Zazu told him that it meant, "He had good on him." Impatient, Simba roared at Zazu and blew him into a patch of grass. Nala dashed to her mate's side and reminded him that, though he may not be an elephant, he was a king and that it was his duty to carry out this tribute to an old friend. Soothed by Nala's advice, Simba asked Zazu to continue his lessons.
Zazu informs Simba that he gave his tribute wrong.
As Simba continued to practice his speech, Nala asked Zazu how far away they were from Kilio Valley, to which Zazu revealed that they had just arrived. From atop a nearby hillside, Simba, Nala, and Zazu witnessed the elephant herd placing flowers on Aminifu's body and grieved the old elephant's passing. They then descended into the valley to greet the herd. When it came time for Simba's tribute, he said, "He had poop on him," instead of "He had good on him." Though Zazu was horrified by this turn of events, the elephants began to laugh, and Aminifu's daughter, Ma Tembo, explained that her father had always had poop on him and that it had often been the cause of laughter.
After the funeral, Zazu returned to Pride Rock with Simba and Nala.[7]
Kupatana
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Before the annual Kupatana celebration, Zazu rehearsed the opening choral piece with Basi, Mbuni, Mtoto's mother, Muhanga, and Twiga at Mizimu Grove. During the practice session, he reminded Mbuni of the correct lyrics to the song after she sang them incorrectly. That night, he directed the choral piece as the opening act of the Kupatana celebration.[8]
Rockslide
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Zazu flinches upon noticing Ono's missing crest feathers.
When Zazu noticed that a rockslide had blocked the giraffes' access to their watering hole, he flew into the Lair of the Lion Guard and informed the Lion Guard of the situation. He started to lecture Ono for having failed his lookout duty but flinched when he noticed the egret's missing crest feathers. Bunga argued that Ono merely stood out, and Zazu continued his report, asserting that the giraffes needed the Lion Guard's help. The group set out to clear the wreckage, but Ono was reluctant to join them. However, Zazu ushered him out of the cave, and he reluctantly complied.[9]
Pangolin problem
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One day, Zazu received word that the pangolins had been spraying excessively elsewhere in the Pride Lands, so he went to find the Lion Guard. However, while on the way, he got his beak stuck in a beehive, and the Lion Guard had to come to his aid. While the rest of the Lion Guard waited below, Bunga climbed up the tree and yanked Zazu's beak out of the beehive, which caused the bees to rush out in a swarm. Before they could sting Zazu, Bunga pushed him out of harm's way and began to eat the bees. After the rescue, Zazu thanked the Lion Guard for their help and informed them of the pangolin situation. Kion agreed to investigate, and the Lion Guard left.[10]
Savannah Summit
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Zazu and Simba stress equality and unity at the Savannah Summit.
Zazu looked on as Simba gathered several key animal leaders at Pride Rock for the Savannah Summit. As Simba was discussing Makuu's presence at the Summit with Kion, Zazu approached and told Simba that it was time for the procession. Simba thanked Zazu, and Zazu assembled the animal leaders to head to Mizimu Grove. As the party proceeded to the grove, Zazu and Simba stressed the importance of equality and unity.
During the Savannah Summit, the Lion Guard heard Zazu squawking for help and followed the noise to where Rafiki was painting a portrait of the baboon leader and Mbeya, who was sitting on Zazu. The Lion Guard demanded an explanation, and Mbeya explained that Zazu had called him clumsy. The baboon leader clarified that it had been him who had called Mbeya clumsy, then accused Mbeya of having bumped into him. Zazu yelled for Mbeya to get off him, and the rhinoceros complied, to Zazu's relief. The baboon leader and Mbeya started to bicker again, but Beshte stepped in-between them and encouraged them to get along with one another. The three then apologized and made amends with each other. Zazu asked Rafiki if the incident would appear in his portrait, and Rafiki replied that he would leave it out of the official painting.[11]
Captured by Janja's clan
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The Lion Guard gathered around Bupu, whose horns were stuck in the branches of a tree. Kion suggested that they break the branch off the tree, to which Bupu reluctantly agreed. Just then, Zazu arrived and commented that he would be including the incident in his morning report to Simba. Bupu asked why he had to, and Zazu replied that his duty was to inform the king of all business in the Pride Lands, no matter how bizarre it might seem. Kion ended up brokering an agreement between Bupu and Nyuni by keeping the branch in Bupu's horns so that Nyuni could see more of the Pride Lands, and Zazu commented on Kion's originality.
The hyenas capture Zazu.
After Zazu's departure, Fuli critiqued Zazu's nosiness, but Kion reminded her that it was part of his job to know the business of the Pride Landers. He then reminded her of the time that Zazu had saved him and Bunga from Pua's float. Beshte, Bunga, and Ono expressed awe at Zazu's bravery, though Fuli remained unimpressed.
Elsewhere in the Pride Lands, Janja and his cronies, Cheezi and Chungu, lay in wait for Zazu, as per Scar's instructions. As Zazu swooped by on his morning patrol, the hyenas jumped out of hiding and abducted him. Zazu asked what they were doing in the Pride Lands, and Janja informed him that all of them were about to leave. He then ordered Chungu to hold Zazu captive in his mouth, and the hyenas took off for the Outlands. As he was carried away, Zazu screamed that the hyenas would pay for his kidnapping and that the event would make his morning report.
Janja interrogates Zazu.
Once in the Outlands, Cheezi and Chungu monitored Zazu, who was trapped in a bone cage, while Janja sought an audience with Scar. Cheezi and Chungu considered eating Zazu, but the hornbill reminded them that Janja would not be happy with them for ruining his plan. The pair thanked Zazu for the reminder, which gave him an idea. In attempt to trick Cheezi and Chungu into letting him free, Zazu claimed that they were smarter than Janja and that the smart thing to do would be to let him out of his cage. Just as Chungu was about to do so, Janja arrived and put a stop to Zazu's scheme.
Janja demanded that Zazu reveal the secrets of the Pride Lands, but Zazu refused. Janja then placed Zazu's cage on the edge of a vent, where hot steam burned the tips of Zazu's tail feathers, and Zazu finally gave in to the hyena's request. He proceeded to share shallow, unhelpful information about Simba to the hyenas. The Lion Guard happened to overhear Zazu's voice and rushed to the rescue. Just in time, they arrived to stop the hyenas from eating Zazu and began to engage the clan in a fight.
Zazu thanks the Lion Guard for having saved him from the hyenas.
During the battle, Zazu managed to roll down a hill in order to save Fuli from a pair of hyenas, but in doing so, he began to plummet toward a pool of lava. Kion swiftly used the Roar of the Elders to clear a patch of rock on the lava, where Zazu landed, broke free of his cage, and was able to take to the air. With Zazu free, the hyenas gave up and retreated farther into the Outlands.
Back at Pride Rock, Zazu delivered his morning report to Simba, despite it being nighttime. He lamented being late for the first time, but the Lion Guard assured him that he was not to blame. Fuli added that Zazu had saved her life, and Kion reminded Zazu of how he had saved him and Bunga from the crocodiles all those seasons ago. Zazu acknowledged his part in saving Kion, then carried on with delivering his morning report.[4]
Battle for the Pride Lands
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Zazu reports to Simba and Kion that Hadithi and Shujaa have arrived.
After several seasons in which the Pride Landers battled Scar's army, they gathered at the base of Pride Rock to train for an upcoming invasion of the Outlands. During the training session, Zazu reported to Simba and Kion on the promontory of Pride Rock, where he explained that Hadithi had arrived with the gorilla warrior, Shujaa, and that the Lion Guard had gathered the Pride Lander herds for the upcoming battle. Simba tasked Kion with leading the invasion of the Outlands and ordered Zazu to tell the Pride Landers to get some rest.[12]
Kiara's first hunt
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Zazu spots Kovu rescuing Kiara from a fire.
Seasons later, Zazu gathered with Simba's pride at Pride Rock to watch Kiara embark on her first solo hunt. Once Kiara had left, Simba paced nervously on Pride Rock while Zazu assured him that she would be fine and asked what could happen. No sooner had Zazu said this when Simba noticed smoke on the horizon. Horrified, he ordered Zazu to fly ahead and find Kiara.
While scouring the Pride Lands, Zazu spotted Kovu pulling an unconscious Kiara out of a lake and resolved to tell Simba. Eventually, Simba and Nala arrived at the scene, and Simba confronted Kovu. During the course of the conversation, Kovu asked to join Simba's pride, and Nala reminded Simba that Kovu had saved Kiara's life. Zazu added that they were in Kovu's debt and that royal protocol demanded that all debts be paid. However, he added that Simba might want to make an exception in this case. Out of respect for his father's law, Simba allowed Kovu to join his pride. As the group departed for Pride Rock, Zazu called Kovu "riffraff" and flew after Simba.[3]
Battle between the Outsiders and Simba's pride
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Zazu warns Simba of the Outsiders' attack.
When Simba got injured in an ambush set by the Outsiders, Timon, Pumbaa, Kiara, and Zazu found him limping toward Pride Rock. Horrified, Kiara sent Zazu to find help, and as he flew off, Kiara, Timon, and Pumbaa rushed to Simba's aid. Later on, Zazu frantically flew into Pride Rock and reported to Simba that the Outsiders were on the attack and were heading toward Pride Rock. While he rallied the lionesses with Timon and Pumbaa, Simba ordered Zazu to find Kiara, who had run off following Kovu's exile.
Eventually, Kovu and Kiara united their feuding prides, and Simba accepted the Outsiders back into his pride. Together, the prides journeyed to Pride Rock, where they honored Kovu and Kiara's marriage. Afterward, the royal family strode to the edge of Pride Rock and roared. During the ceremony, Timon and Pumbaa cried with joy, and an annoyed Zazu used his wings to shield himself from their tears.[3]
Kion's coronation
Zazu attended Kion's wedding to Rani at the Tree of Life.[13]
Physical appearance
Zazu is a moderately sized hornbill. He has blue feathers, with navy blue wingtips, a white chest and neck, a navy blue crest, and a bright red beak. His eyes are black.[1]
Personality and traits
| “ | Simba: Look, Banana Beak is scared. Zazu: It's Mr. Banana Beak to you, Fuzzy.
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Zazu is a dignified and loyal steward. He is deeply reverant of the law and traditions of the Pride Lands, and adheres to both strictly,[1] though he is willing to make exceptions for those he distrusts, such as Kovu.[3] Zazu can be judgmental and snooty toward those who do not behave conventionally. A bit of a busybody, he loves to keep tabs on the Pride Landers and will openly scorn or lecture those who do not conform to his standard of behavior, as seen when he lambasted Simba for rejecting his betrothal to Nala.[1]
Zazu will protect his charges, even at the cost of his life.
Despite his more critical nature, Zazu is fiercely devoted to those whom he serves. When a young Kion got into trouble with Pua's float, Zazu offered himself in the cub's place. Brave, determined, and strong-willed, he performs well under pressure. Even in the custody of his enemies, such as his capture by Janja's clan, he will keep his master's secrets and resist cruel treatment and torture.[4]
At times, Zazu can be irascible and short-tempered. He was openly hostile toward Scar, whom he viewed as disrespectful, and had little patience for young Simba's mischief. However, he does occasionally enjoy a good jest, such as when he teasingly remarked that Mufasa should turn Scar into a throw rug.[1]
Appearances
Trivia
General
- Zazu was voiced by the following:
- In The Lion King, he was voiced by Rowan Atkinson.[14] His singing voice was provided by Jeff Bennett in the "The Morning Report" musical sequence.[15]
- Bennett also voiced the beast, Buzz, the castaway, Cisco Pig's gang, Count Down, Duke Meerkat, El Toro, the fox, the foxhound, Heimlich, the meerkat angel, Mel, Mr. Vam Pirebat, the native chief, Sigmund, the three natives, and Toucan Dan.[15]
- In The Lion King II: Simba's Pride, he was voiced by Edward Hibbert.[16]
- In The Lion King 1½, he was voiced by Edward Hibbert.[16]
- In The Lion Guard: Return of the Roar, he was voiced by Jeff Bennett.[15]
- In The Lion Guard, he was voiced by Jeff Bennett.[15]
- In The Lion King's Timon & Pumbaa, he was voiced by Edward Hibbert.[16]
- In Disney's Activity Center: The Lion King, he was voiced by Jim Piddock.[17]
- In Simba's Mighty Adventure, he was voiced by Jim Piddock.[17]
- In The Lion King, he was voiced by Rowan Atkinson.[14] His singing voice was provided by Jeff Bennett in the "The Morning Report" musical sequence.[15]
- Zazu was animated by the following:
- In The Lion King, he was animated by Ellen Woodbury.[18]
- In The Lion King 1½, he was animated by Bob Baxter.[19]
Geoff Hoyle as Zazu in the stage musical version of The Lion King.
- The role of Zazu in the stage musical version of The Lion King was originated by Geoff Hoyle.[20]
- When Simba descends Pride Rock after defeating Scar, Zazu bows and says, "Your Majesty," but no audio is heard. This mistake was intentional according to Mouse Under Glass, as the filmmakers wanted the scene to be a quiet moment.[21] This line was re-used for the stage musical and the 2019 remake of The Lion King.[22][23]
- In the end credits of The Lion King 1½, Zazu's name is misspelled "Zasu."[2]
- Zazu's line, "Didn't your mother ever tell you not to play with your food?" could be a nod to the first draft of The Lion King. When Sheena catches her son, Rego, toying with a kangaroo rat, she says, "How many times must I tell you — don't play with your food."[24]
- Zazu's line, "There's one in every family, sire. Two in mine, actually," could be a nod to deleted characters Babazu and Nazu.[25]
- In A Tale of Two Brothers, Zazu's mother is named Zuzu.[26]
- In The Bird-Sitters, Zazu has a niece named Zinga.[27]
- In A Tale of Two Brothers, Zazu explains that he inherited the position of majordomo from his mother, Zuzu. This is contradicted by Friends In Need, in which Zazu becomes Mufasa's majordomo after saving Sarabi's life.[26][28]
- In Heartbreaker Zazu, Zazu has a girlfriend.[29]
- Zazu makes a brief cameo in the "One Golden Sun" episode of It's a Small World: The Animated Series.[30]
In development
During early production of The Lion King, Zazu had black wings with red tips.
- In the May 1990 draft of The Lion King, Zazu joined Simba in exile after Mufasa's death.[32]
- In the 1992 draft of The Lion King, Simba and Nala ditched Zazu at the water hole.[33]
- In a deleted scene from The Lion King, Scar asked Zazu why he was not loved and what Mufasa had had that he did not. In response, Zazu mentioned Mufasa's queen, which led Scar to make advances on Nala.[34]
- During early production of The Lion King, Zazu had black wings with red tips.[35]
- In the January 1996 draft of The Lion King II: Simba's Pride, Zazu married a female hornbill named Binti. Together, they reared eight chicks.[36]
References
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