Pua

Species
 Skin color
 Eye color
 Residence
 Affiliations
 Titles
 Enemies

―Pua to Kion[src] | ”

**Pua** is a male crocodile.

When Pua refused to hunt in Big Springs for fear of upsetting the Circle of Life, Makuu challenged him to a mashindano. Pua accepted but was promptly defeated by the much younger and stronger Makuu. After the fight, Kion begged Pua to return and challenge Makuu to another mashindano, but Pua asserted that Makuu was the stronger crocodile and that Kion should back down if he was not willing to fight Makuu himself.

## Biography

### Early life

Pua lived in the Pride Lands. At some point in his life, he became the leader of a float of crocodiles.

### Conflict with Kion and Bunga

―Pua lets Kion, Bunga, and Zazu go[src] | ”

As youngsters, Kion and his friend, Bunga, accidentally wandered into the territory of Pua's float. Although Pua initially acted with hostility toward the pair, Zazu informed him that Kion was the son of Simba. Not wanting to upset the king, Pua allowed Kion, Bunga, and Zazu to leave his territory unharmed.

### Mashindano and defeat

―Pua[src] | ”

When Pua took his float to Big Springs, he asked Basi if it was all right for the crocodiles to eat the fish. Basi politely declined, explaining that there were still not enough fish to feed the float, and Pua respectfully left. A young crocodile named Makuu, however, challenged him to a mashindano, as he thought the float had a right to the fish in Big Springs.

Kion was disturbed by this turn of events and asked his father about Makuu's challenge. Simba explained that he must recognize and respect the traditions of other species, even if he did not agree with them.

Later, the animals of the Pride Lands gathered to witness the mashindano. Makuu managed to pull a victory over the aged Pua, to Kion's dismay. Simba came forward, recognized Makuu's leadership, and thanked Pua for his service. Makuu then led his float into the lake, while Kion looked after him worriedly and wondered if the Pride Lands was in danger.

When Makuu began to wreck havoc on the Pride Lands, Kion went to Pua and begged him to call for another mashindano. However, Pua reminded Kion that Makuu was much stronger than him. He then advised Kion to back down if he was not willing to fight Makuu.

### Legacy

—Kion and Simba[src] | ”

Kion expressed worry that the other Pride Lander leaders would not get along with Makuu at the Savannah Summit as they might have with Pua.

## Physical appearance

Pua is a large crocodile. He has dark green scales, with a pale underbelly and dark stripes on his tail. He has dark eye rims, thin black eyebrows, and black eyes with yellow sclerae.

## Personality and traits

―Pua, before his mashindano with Makuu[src] | ”

Pua is a wise, patient, and temperate leader. He holds deep respect for the Circle of Life, to the point that he will not eat the fish at Big Springs without the say so of the hippopotamuses. Unlike Makuu, who is quite aggressive and authoritative, Pua will back down in the face of a physical challenge. Even so, he has acknowledged that Makuu is young and will learn with experience.

## Relationships

	+ Zazu - Temporary Enemy
	+ Basi - Close Friend
* Night Pride
	+ Kion - Friend and Temporary Enemy
	+ Bunga - Temporary Enemy
	+ Fuli
	+ Ono
	+ Beshte
* Simba's pride
	+ Simba - Friend
	+ Makuu - Former Associate, Former Attempted Killer, and Successor

## Appearances

* *The Lion King: Revisited*
	+ "Return of the Roar"
	+ "The Rise of Scar" (mentioned)
	+ "Snow Day" (flashback)
	+ "Hyena Resistance" (cave painting)
	+ "Lion Guard: Wild Schemes and Catastrophes"

## Trivia

* Pua was voiced by Gerald C. Rivers.
	+ Rivers also voiced Fisi.

* Pua's name means "nose" in Swahili.