Zazu

—Zazu and Simba, during their trip to the Elephant Graveyard[src] | ”

**Zazu** is a male hornbill. He is the son of Zuzu, and currently serves as the majordomo of the Pride Lands.

Initially, Zazu served as Mufasa's majordomo and was frequently tasked as a babysitter for Mufasa's son, Simba. However, when the king perished in the midst of a wildebeest stampede, Mufasa's younger brother, Scar, assumed the throne, and Zazu was imprisoned and forced to serve the crown. Eventually, a fully-grown Simba returned to his homeland, where he challenged Scar's rule and his claim to the throne. Zazu supported Simba's efforts and helped him defeat Scar's hyena minions, after which Simba took the throne and Zazu became his majordomo.

## Biography

### Early life

―Zazu on Mufasa[src] | ”

Zazu lived in the Pride Lands. He had a brother and a cousin. Zazu met Mufasa, the prince heir of the Pride Lands, when he was a cub and often witnessed his mischievous antics. At some point in his life, he became Mufasa's majordomo.

### Simba's presentation

―Zazu to Scar[src] | ”

Zazu attended Simba's presentation at Pride Rock. As the Pride Landers gathered around Pride Rock, Zazu flew over the crowd, landed on the promontory, and bowed to Mufasa. Once Rafiki, the kingdom's Royal Mjuzi, presented Simba to the gathered crowd, Zazu marveled that the animals were bowing before Simba, unaware that they had actually passed out from Pumbaa's flatulence.

After the ceremony, Scar taunted a field mouse and lamented how he would never be king. As he mused, Zazu appeared and requested that Scar rise and genuflect, as Mufasa was on its way. Annoyed, Scar commented that Zazu had made him lose his lunch, but Zazu replied that Scar would answer for his absence at Simba's presentation. Scar commented sarcastically that he "quivered with fear", then began to advance on Zazu. As he backed away, Zazu asked Scar not to look at him "that way." However, Scar did not back down, and Zazu took to the air and yelled that it was forbidden to eat a member of the king's royal court, only for Scar to catch him in his mouth.

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 would not dream of it. Zazu agreed that it was a wise decision, as Scar was no match for Mufasa, but Scar pointed out that, while Mufasa had more brute strength than he did, his weapon was his brain.

Scar proceeded to wander off, and Mufasa asked Zazu what he should do with him. Instead of answering Mufasa's question, Zazu questioned why Mufasa refused to expel him. Mufasa asserted that, as long as he ruled the Pride Lands, the kingdom would remain Scar's home. Zazu asserted that every family had an odd member, then told the story of his cousin, who thought he was a woodpecker. Mufasa lamented his estranged relationship 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. As Mufasa laughed, he exited the cave, and Zazu followed.

### Morning report

―Zazu[src] | ”

As seasons passed, Simba grew into a lively young cub. One day, while Mufasa was teaching Simba about the Circle of Life and the balance between predator and prey, Zazu appeared and delivered his daily morning report to him. However, as Zazu went on, Mufasa began to teach 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 prompted Zazu to declare that he had been trying to deliver the news.

No sooner had Simba done this when the mole emerged from underground and relayed to Zazu the news that hyenas were invading the Pride Lands. Zazu informed Mufasa of this, and he asked where Sarabi was. Zazu told him that she was leading the charge against the hyenas, and Mufasa ordered Zazu to take Simba home. Zazu obediently guided Simba back to Pride Rock, during which he assured the cub that, one day, it would be his job to chase out those "slobbering, mangy, stupid poachers."

### Rescuing Simba and Nala

―Zazu[src] | ”

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. As Simba and Nala reacted with disgust, Simba declared that he could not marry his friend, but Zazu insisted that it was a Pride Lands tradition. Simba countered that, once he was king, he would get rid of such a tradition, to which Zazu asserted that Simba could not escape his destiny. 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. Despite Zazu's best efforts to keep up with them, 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.

Eventually, Zazu freed himself from the animals and caught up with Simba and Nala at the Elephant Graveyard. As he tried to warn the cubs of the imminent danger, Simba mockingly called Zazu "banana beak," to which Zazu retorted that he was "Mr. banana beak." Simba then claimed that he laughed in the face of danger, only for Azizi, Kamari, Shenzi, Banzai, and Ed to emerge from a nearby elephant skull and surround the cubs. As they ruminated on who the trespassers were, Zazu tried to pass off his and the cubs' presence in the Elephant Graveyard as a "horrible" mistake. However, Shenzi stepped on his tail and called him "Mufasa's little stooge," to which Zazu clarified that he was the king's majordomo, and Simba revealed that he was the future king of Pride Rock.

The hyenas threatened the cubs for being in their territory, but Simba asserted that they could not do anything to him. Zazu warned Shenzi that, should she harm Simba, she would be starting a war with Mufasa, but Shenzi argued that hyenas and lions had always been at war, and Zazu lamented that they were at the hyenas' mercy since they were on their land. However, Simba reminded Zazu that he had called the hyenas nothing but "slobbering, mangy, stupid poachers."

Frantically, Zazu insisted that he and the cubs had to run, 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 ran 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 fended off the hyenas. As Zazu smiled over their show of heroism, Mufasa looked down on him, as he had been partially responsible for the cubs' peril. Mufasa then turned his ire on Simba, and he ordered him and Nala to follow him, and upon returning to the Pride Lands, Mufasa stopped in the middle of a field. Mufasa instructed Zazu to take Nala home, and Zazu agreed. Before leaving, Zazu encouraged Mufasa to go easy on Simba, as he had once been a rambunctious cub himself, then urged Nala to come along. Zazu and Nala then left together.

### Mufasa's death

―Zazu, during the stampede[src] | ”

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. The three raced toward the gorge, and Zazu vowed to find Simba.

Eventually, Zazu pinpointed Simba clinging to a dead tree in the midst of the stampede, and Simba begged him for help. Zazu promised Simba that help was on the way, then flew to the side of the gorge and 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.

### Serving Scar

―Zazu to Scar[src] | ”

Following his rise to power, Scar allowed his hyena minions to decimate the Pride Lands. Furthermore, he imprisoned Zazu in a bone cage in the den of Pride Rock and forced him to sing songs for him. 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 at the mention of Mufasa's name, Scar reminded Zazu that it was against the law to say Mufasa's name and asserted that he was the king. Zazu acknowledged Scar's kingship and claimed to have only mentioned Mufasa so 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 countered that he would be too "tough" and "gamey."

### Battle of Pride Rock

―Zazu, during the battle of Pride Rock[src] | ”

During the battle of Pride Rock, Banzai chased Timon into the den of Pride Rock. Upon spotting Timon, Zazu begged for help, but Timon simply hopped into the cage with Zazu in an attempt to escape Banzai. Just before Banzai could eat Timon, Pumbaa entered the den and beat up him and Shenzi. After the hyenas fled, Zazu, Timon, and Pumbaa emerged from the den, whooping and cheering.

### 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.

Shortly after Simba's coronation, Simba and Nala had Kopa, whom Rafiki presented to the Pride Lands in a traditional presentation ceremony. Zazu attended the ceremony at Pride Rock.

### Kiara's presentation

Zazu attended the presentation of Simba and Nala's daughter, Kiara, at Pride Rock.

### Saving Kion from Pua's float

―Zazu, after Kion intrudes on Pua's float[src] | ”

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.

### Warning Kiara about the Outsiders

—Zazu and Simba to Kiara[src] | ”

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, Zazu flew back to Pride Rock with Simba's pride.

### Dawn of the Lion Guard

―Zazu to Simba[src] | ”

After Kiara informed Simba that Kion had invited Bunga to join the Lion Guard, Zazu found Kion and led Simba to him. Simba lectured Kion, then left with Zazu.

### Habitat change

―Kiara[src] | ”

When Makuu invaded 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.

### Aminifu's funeral

―Zazu to Simba, as they travel to Kilio Valley[src] | ”

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.

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.

### Kupatana

―Zazu corrects Mbuni's pronunciation[src] | ”

Before the annual Kupatana celebration, Zazu rehearsed the opening choral piece with Basi, Mbuni, Mtoto's mother, Muhanga, and Twiga. 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.

### Rockslide

―Zazu[src] | ”

Zazu flew into the Lair of the Lion Guard and delivered news that a rockslide had blocked the giraffes' access to their water hole. He started to lecture Ono for not being on lookout duty but flinched when he noticed the egret's missing crest feathers. The Lion Guard set out to clear the wreckage, but Ono was reluctant to join them. However, Zazu forced him out of the cave.

### Pangolin problem

―Zazu[src] | ”

When Zazu got his bill stuck in a beehive, the Lion Guard came to his aid. Bunga climbed up the tree and yanked Zazu out of the beehive, which caused the bees to rush at Zazu. However, Bunga ate them before they could sting Zazu. After the rescue, Zazu thanked the Lion Guard for their help and informed them that the pangolins had been spraying excessively elsewhere in the Pride Lands. Kion agreed to investigate the situation, and the Lion Guard left.

### Savannah Summit

―Zazu[src] | ”

Zazu looked on as Simba gathered several key animal leaders at Pride Rock for the Savannah Summit. After Simba had a conversation with Kion, Zazu approached the two 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.

### Captured by Janja's clan

―Zazu to Janja's clan, after they capture him[src] | ”

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.

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.

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.

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.

### Scar's attack

At Mizimu Grove, Rafiki and Simba announced Makini's mpando mpaya to a crowd of gathered Pride Lands, Zazu included. However, in the middle of the celebration, the Army of Scar attacked, and the Pride Landers, including Zazu, rose up to defend themselves. Despite the Pride Landers' apparent victory, the battle paused when Scar appeared in the flames and threatened to overtake the entirety of the Pride Lands.Once Scar had vanished, the remaining Pride Landers fled Mizimu Grove in fright.

Meanwhile, Kion used the Roar of the Elders to defeat the Outlanders, while Simba deliberated what to do with Ma Tembo and Zazu. Once the animals had reconvened at Mizimu Grove, Simba admitted that he had had knowledge of Scar's return for some time. The Pride Landers disapproved of his dishonesty, but Zazu and Ma Tembo noted that they understood why he had kept it a secret. The herds then considered whether they should leave the Pride Lands for good, and Simba told them to inform him of their decision the following morning at Pride Rock.

The next day, Zazu was present at Pride Rock when the Pride Landers gathered to discuss whether they should leave the Pride Lands for good. At Kion's prompting, the assembled animals journeyed to Mizimu Grove, where they saw that Makini's baobab seed had survived the fire. The seed's survival inspired the Pride Landers to remain in the kingdom and work together to defeat Scar. Makini then planted the seed while the Pride Landers looked on.

### Battle for the Pride Lands

―Zazu, as training against the Outlanders begins[src] | ”

When the Army of Scar invaded the Pride Lands, the mole told Zazu that a river had being blocked and all the animals were dying of thirst.

While the Pride Landers trained at Pride Rock for the upcoming battle against Scar's army, Zazu reported to Simba and Kion at the promontory. He explained that Hadithi had arrived with the gorilla warrior, Shujaa, and that the Lion Guard had gathered the Pride Lander herds. Simba ordered Zazu to tell the Pride Landers to get some rest, and Zazu left to do so.

### Kiara's first hunt

―Zazu to Simba, after Kovu saves Kiara's life[src] | ”

Seasons later, when Kiara was a young lioness, Zazu gathered with Simba's pride to watch her embark on her first hunt. After Kiara left, Simba paced worriedly on Pride Rock while Zazu assured him that she would be fine. However, Simba soon noticed smoke on the horizon and ordered Zazu to fly ahead and find Kiara.

While searching for Kiara, Zazu spotted Kovu pulling Kiara out of a lake and resolved to tell Simba. Simba soon arrived at the scene and confronted Kovu. However, Nala reminded Simba that Kovu had saved Kiara's life, and Zazu added that royal protocol demanded that all debts be paid, though he added that Simba might want to make an exception in Kovu's case. Reluctantly, Simba allowed Kovu to join his pride, to which Zazu commented, "Riffraff!" and flew after Simba.

### Battle of the Pride Landers and Outsiders

―Zazu to Simba[src] | ”

After Simba got injured in an ambush set up by the Outsiders, Kiara sent Zazu to get help. Shortly afterward, Zazu frantically reported to Simba that the Outsiders were on the attack. Simba ordered Zazu to find Kiara while he rallied the lionesses with Timon and Pumbaa.

After the battle, Zazu attended Kovu and Kiara's wedding at Pride Rock. During the ceremony, Timon and Pumbaa cried with joy, and an annoyed Zazu used his wings to shield himself from their tears.

### Battle of the Lion Guards

After Kion and Vitani agreed to compete for the title of Lion Guard, Zazu witnessed the Battle of the Lion Guards' onsent at Mizimu Grove. After a series of individual contests, Kion willingly surrendered his role as leader of the Lion Guard to Vitani, and her Lion Guard took over protection of the Pride Lands.

### Kion's coronation

Zazu attended Kion's wedding to Rani at the Tree of Life.

### Battle of Mount Kilimanjaro

―Zazu encourages Kopa[src] | ”

Two years later, and after Makucha's rise to power, Kopa returned to Pride Rock with Vitani and her Lion Guard, where Zazu, Simba, and Nala proclaimed Kopa's identity as the prince of Pride Rock. Later, Zazu witnessed Mufasa's sacrifice in the Battle of Mount Kilimanjaro, attending his funeral in Kilio Valley. In the wake of becoming the successor to the throne of Pride Rock, Zazu encouraged Kopa and reminded him that he could rule the Pride Lands.

## Personality and traits

―Zazu mocks Scar[src] | ”

Perhaps one of the most noble birds to ever take to the skies, Zazu's heart is sworn to duty. Even at the cost of his life, he protects those under his care, undergoing abuse and threat of death in order to keep his charges safe. Even in everyday life, the hornbill shows fierce determination to follow his job, displaying disdain for those who radiate disrespect or disobedience toward Zazu's king. A bit peckish, Zazu takes his duty almost too far, especially with Scar, unafraid to upbraid the much larger lion for crimes committed against Mufasa.

Especially when duty is on the line, Zazu can be skeptical and irascible. He often makes a show of scoffing at those he disapproves of, an attitude which shines through when he is around Scar. Zazu is not known to be tactful but rather painstakingly honest and very vocal in his opinions. Despite his occasional rudeness, Zazu is considerably formal, playing the role of mediator between Mufasa and Scar. He takes his role as majordomo very seriously and often assumes authority over those under Mufasa's scrutiny. Zazu's tie to his king is very apparent in the manner in which he defends Mufasa's decisions and mannerisms, and practically follows the king around the Pride Lands. Respectful and duty-bound, Zazu will follow Mufasa to the ends of the Earth, even putting up with the king's high-energy son to do so.

A duty-bound bird of formality doesn't mix well with a rambunctious cub, and Zazu's patience often wears thin when he is around youngsters. Especially around those of high energy, Zazu is flighty and nervous, ready to uphold his dignity and high status. He can be quick-tempered when he disciplines Simba, though his irritation with the cub holds much less malice than his aggravation with Scar. Unlike Mufasa, Zazu is not one to mess around and would rather stick to his job than playtime. Despite this, Zazu shows his gentle and comforting side when Simba gets terrified, revealing the hornbill to be somewhat parental on the inside, even if he does not show it often.

Zazu is not completely without jest, though his jokes tend to be drier in humor. His natural lack of tact mixed with banter results in somewhat offensive jokes, though the hornbill typically means no harm by them, seen in the cheeky smiles he usually gives upon delivery. Even more than jokes, Zazu enjoys gossip and can be quite the social butterfly, a trait of his which slackens as he grows older. Still, the hornbill can hardly resist waggling his tongue about the animals of the Pride Lands, even in his formal reports to Mufasa.

Zazu's minimal control of his tongue mirrors his inability to control himself in dire circumstances. When in a moment of great distress, the hornbill often loses his head, panicking until the situation is under control. He is easily ruffled, and though he wants to assist those in need, he more often than not adds stress to the situation with his loud outbursts and overwrought movements. With a loose grip on self-control, Zazu is a bird of order and finds it difficult to stop himself from panicking until the world is back in alignment.

## Relationships

* Zinga - Niece
* Zinga's mother - Sister

Allies* Simba's pride
	+ Mufasa † - Friend and Savior
	+ Sarabi
	+ Simba - Friend
	+ Nala
	+ Kiara
	+ Tiifu
	+ Zuri
	+ Kovu - Temporary Enemy
* Royal Mjuzi
	+ Rafiki † - Close Friend
	+ Makini
* Pumbaa - Savior
* Timon's colony
	+ Timon
	+ Ma
	+ Uncle Max
* Night Pride
	+ Kion - Savior
	+ Bunga
	+ Rani
	+ Fuli - Savior
	+ Beshte
	+ Ono
	+ Anga
	+ Binga
	+ Surak
	+ Baliyo
	+ Nirmala
* Lion Guard
	+ Kopa
	+ Vitani - Temporary Enemy
	+ Tazama
	+ Imara
	+ Kasi
	+ Shabaha
* Pride Landers
	+ Anansi †
	+ Pua - Temporary Enemy
	+ Makuu - Temporary Enemy
	+ Ma Tembo - Friend
	+ Aminifu †
	+ Basi
	+ Twiga
	+ Mbuni
	+ Muhanga
	+ Mtoto's mother
	+ Bupu
	+ Vuruga Vuruga
	+ Mbeya
	+ Baboon leader
	+ Nyuni
	+ Hadithi
* Sokwe's troop
	+ Sokwe
	+ Shujaa
	+ Majinuni
	+ Hafifu
* Jasiri's clan
	+ Jasiri
	+ Janja - Former Attempted Killer
	+ Cheezi - Former Enemy
	+ Chungu - Former Enemy
	+ Nne - Former Attempted Killer
	+ Tano - Former Attempted Killer
* Azaad
* Pinguino
	+ Shenzi † - Attempted Killer
	+ Banzai - Attempted Killer
	+ Azizi † - Attempted Killer
	+ Kamari † - Attempted Killer
	+ Ed - Attempted Killer
* Outsiders
	+ Zira †
	+ Nuka †
* Army of Scar
	+ Scar † - Former Ally, Former King, and Attempted Killer
	+ Reirei
	+ Goigoi
	+ Kiburi
	+ Tamka
	+ Nduli

## Appearances

* *The Lion King: Revisited*
	+ "The Circle of Life"
	+ "King for a Day"
	+ "Be Prepared"
* *Rafiki Remembers: Legends of Anansi*
	+ "The Cave Monster"
* *The Lion King: Revisited*
	+ "Stampede"
	+ "Raising Simba"
	+ "The Famine"
	+ "Battle for Pride Rock"
	+ "He Lives in You"
	+ "We Are One"
* *Six New Adventures*
	+ "A Tale of Two Brothers"
	+ "Nala's Dare"
	+ "Vulture Shock"
	+ "A Snake in the Grass"
	+ "Follow the Leader"
	+ "How True, Zazu?"
	+ "What's Up Croc?"
	+ "Friends for Life"
	+ "Fight for the Throne"
* *The Lion King: Revisited*
	+ "Return of the Roar"
	+ "Lions of the Outlands"
	+ "The Rise of Scar"
	+ "Snow Day"
	+ "The Ultimate Showdown"
	+ "Battle for the Pride Lands"
	+ "Kiara's First Hunt"
	+ "The Unwelcome Stranger"
	+ "Love Will Find a Way"
	+ "Return to the Pride Lands"
	+ "Epilogue: An Important Coronation"
	+ "Prince Kopa" (mentioned)
	+ "New Beginnings"
	+ "Lion Guard: Wild Schemes and Catastrophes"

## Trivia

* Zazu was voiced by the following:
	+ In *The Lion King: Revisited*, he was voiced by John Oliver.
	+ In *Six New Adventures*, he was voiced by Jeff Bennett.
		- Bennett also voiced Toucan Dan.

* Zazu can speak gorilla, elephant, chimpanzee, and several dialects of bushbuck.

* In *Prince Kopa*, Zazu's mother is named Zuzu.

* Zazu's name means "movement" in Hebrew.