Bupu

―Bupu[src] | ”

**Bupu** is a male sable antelope. He is the leader of a herd of sable antelope in the Pride Lands.

When a series of severe rainstorms hit the Pride Lands, the Lion Guard led Bupu and his herd to the Flood Plains. Bupu was adamant and stubborn about following the Lion Guard's orders and eventually refused to cooperate altogether. However, after Fuli apologized for the situation, Bupu relented and led his herd to safety on the other side of the Flood Plains.

Later, when the spirit of Scar gathered an army against the Pride Lands, Bupu joined his fellow Pride Landers in fighting them off and eventually defeating them altogether with an invasion of the Outlands. After attending the Battle of the Lion Guards, Bupu witnessed Kion's coronation and wedding to Rani.

## Biography

### Early life

Bupu lived in the Pride Lands, where he became the leader of a herd of sable antelope.

### Flooded grazing ground

―Bupu on the Lion Guard[src] | ”

Ono informed the rest of the Lion Guard that a herd of sable antelope was refusing to leave their grazing grounds even though another storm was on the way. Basi suggested that they lead the antelope to the other side of the Flood Plains, but Ono wondered how they would be able to cross the reeds. Basi reminded him that by the time the antelope arrived at the Flood Plains, Beshte would be done creating hippo lanes across the water. The Lion Guard thanked him for the idea, then left to save the herd.

Ono led the Lion Guard to the antelope's grazing ground. Kion was quick to order the antelope out of their grazing ground, but their leader, Bupu, pointed out that they did not wish to leave. Fuli and Ono encouraged the herd to leave before the rainstorm came, but to no avail. In a last ditch effort, Kion informed the antelope that there would be more food away from their drowned grazing ground, and a female antelope named Boboka urged Bupu to reconsider the offer. He relented, and the herd followed after the Lion Guard.

On the way out of the grazing ground, Ono spotted a rock slide, and Kion yelled for the herd to stay back. Too late, the rocks fell, separating the Lion Guard from their charges. Kion worried over the herd's condition, but Ono reassured him that none of the antelope were injured. He then warned Kion that there was no other way around the rocks and that the storm was closing in fast.

In the face of this new setback, Fuli lamented Beshte's absence, but Bunga pointed out that Kion could still use the Roar of the Elders to blow the rocks away. Kion agreed to the idea and climbed to the other side of the rocks in order to avoid harming the antelope. Kion urged the antelope to move, but Bupu and his herd refused to cooperate. Kion used the Roar of the Elders to clear the boulders, but even after the path was clear, the antelope continued to stay put. With some harsh insistence from Fuli, Bupu and his herd reluctantly followed after the Lion Guard until the group reached the edge of the Flood Plains.

The Lion Guard led the antelope to the edge of the water, where Boboka and her son entered one of Beshte's hippo lanes. No sooner had they started to cross the Flood Plains when Ono arrived, forbidding the herd to enter the hippo lanes. Bunga told Ono that Boboka and her son had already entered the Flood Plains, and Ono panicked that they would get lost in the reeds. Kion quickly took charge of the situation, entering the hippo lanes with Ono, while Bunga and Fuli stayed behind with the rest of the herd.

At the edge of the water, Bupu lamented not being in his home territory. Fuli attempted to quiet him, but Bupu simply sank to his knees, prompting the rest of his herd to do the same. Furious, Fuli shoved Bupu from behind and ordered him to stand up. As she did so, Ono arrived, incredulous at Fuli's actions, and she exclaimed that she was simply trying to make the antelope stand.

At that moment, Beshte arrived, much to the excitement of his teammates. He started to compliment his father on a job well-done when he noticed that Basi was missing. Concerned, Beshte raced back into the hippo lane in search of his father. Ono monitored Beshte's progress and marveled at the perfectly straight and true hippo lane that had been created. Bunga then announced to the herd that they could cross the Flood Plains safely.

At Bunga's announcement, Bupu complained that the herd would get wet if they crossed the Flood Plains, to which Fuli shouted in exasperation that they were already wet. A stubborn Bupu dared her to continue yelling at them, and Fuli backed off, apologizing for her behavior and politely asking if the herd would follow the Lion Guard into the hippo lane. To her surprise, Bupu relented and told her that they had only wanted the Lion Guard to be polite to them. He then rallied the herd to him, and they stampeded into the Flood Plains. The herd trampled over Makuu and his float, reaching safety on the other side of the Flood Plains.

### Savannah Summit

―Bupu to Simba on Makuu[src] | ”

Bupu was invited by Simba to the Savannah Summit. He and the other animal leaders gathered at Pride Rock, where Simba announced that Makuu, the untrustworthy crocodile leader, had also been invited. Together, the party proceeded to Mizimu Grove, during which Simba and Zazu stressed the importance of equality and unity.

Shortly into the negotiations, Mtoto informed the Lion Guard that Makuu was yelling at someone near the watering hole. The Lion Guard took off to stop the danger and arrived on the scene to find Makuu arguing with Bupu. Without asking for an explanation, Kion ordered Makuu to back off, and Beshte stepped in-between the feuding leaders. Despite the Lion Guard's presence, Bupu attacked Makuu, who attempted to defend himself until Kion chastised him again, claiming that he would not let anyone ruin the Savannah Summit, "especially" not Makuu.

Later, Mtoto again rushed up to the Lion Guard and proclaimed that Makuu was yelling at Bupu again, this time at Pride Rock. The team rushed to Pride Rock, where Kion tackled Makuu to the ground. Simba approached, furious, and exclaimed that Bupu and Makuu had been about to come to an agreement about sleeping situations for their respective species. Bupu looked on as an enraged Makuu stalked off, with Simba calling after him desperately.

Later that day, Kion strategically lied to the Summit that Makuu had fallen into a pit and lost his life in the struggle. A horrified Twiga and Vuruga Vuruga exclaimed that they had never intended for Makuu to get hurt, only to fall into a pit of rotten fruit. Just then, Makuu revealed himself and announced to the gathered animals that he had come to the Summit with the intention of helping his float and the Pride Lands, but had only received distrust and hostility. Bupu and the other animals feared his wrath, but Makuu merely prompted Simba to let the Summit go on.

### Traveling Baboon Show

Later, Bupu watched the Traveling Baboon Show.

### Mashindano

On another day, Bupu watched the mashindano between Makuu and Kiburi.

### Conflict with Mzaha

―Bupu to his herd[src] | ”

When Mzaha proved to be too much of a handful for his herd, Bupu kicked him out. Later, Fuli brought Mzaha back to Bupu, who was at first reluctant to receive him into the herd but gave in when Fuli asked politely. No sooner had Mzaha rejoined the herd when he attempted to play tag with several other antelope, to Bupu's dismay. Though Bupu tried to explain that antelope were not silly creatures, Mzaha got upset and decided to leave the herd again. As the young antelope departed, Bupu referred to him as a "silly creature."

### Partnership with Nyuni

―Bupu on Nyuni[src] | ”

Later, the Lion Guard gathered around Bupu, whose horns were stuck in the branches of a tree. Kion suggested breaking the branch off the tree, to which Bupu reluctantly agreed. However, as Bunga began to bounce on the branch to weaken it, Nyuni the yellow wagtail angrily revealed his presence and explained that his nest was at the end of the branch. Beshte questioned Nyuni as to why he had moved his home, and Nyuni explained that he liked to see different parts of the Pride Lands. Just then, Zazu appeared and asserted that the incident would be part of his morning report to Simba, which dismayed Bupu.

Kion then got the idea to have the branch broken off at the end so that Bupu could carry the rest of the branch as well as Nyuni's nest in his horns. Nyuni was excited to be able to see more of the Pride Lands, despite Bupu's initial reluctance, and he was swiftly carried away alongside the rest of the herd.

Later, the Lion Guard approached Bupu and Nyuni to ask if either of them had seen Zazu, who had gone missing. Both Bupu and Nyuni said no. Just then, Nyuni noticed Boboka's son straying from the herd. Bupu thanked Nyuni, then chased after the young antelope.

### Kumbuka

Bupu attended Simba's Kumbuka celebration at Pride Rock.

### Kilio Valley fire

―Bupu, when the elephants start trumpeting[src] | ”

After Ma Tembo's herd was ousted from Kilio Valley by a fire, Kion requested that the herd temporarily stay with Bupu and his herd. Bupu adamantly refused, asserting that the elephants were not welcome among his herd. Frustrated, Kion ordered Bupu to be patient with the elephants until the Lion Guard could come up with another solution. Bupu did not wait long, however, and soon ousted the elephants from his herd.

### Scar's attacks

―Bupu[src] | ”

The Lion Guard rushed to stop Bupu's herd and the galagos from stampeding. Once calm, the groups admitted to having been scared of a jackal attack, and the Lion Guard concluded that the Pride Landers had to unite against the threat of the Outlanders. They gathered together Bupu's herd, Laini's group, Ma Tembo's herd, and Mbeya's crash.

At first, the Pride Landers were tense, but Kion worked to defuse the tension. He instructed the animals to race toward Bunga. However, the event soon got out of hand, for the animals tripped over the galagos and ended up in a heap. Kion then got the idea to call on Makuu for help. Makuu begrudgingly agreed to help, but his training was too rigorous and ruthless for the other Pride Landers to master.

After Makuu ditched the training program, Scar's army besieged Makuu's float, with Kiburi targeting Makuu. Ono witnessed the battle and reported his findings to Kion. Together, the Lion Guard and their Pride Lander allies stormed the watering hole and fought off the Army of Scar. After the fight, Makuu thanked Bupu and his herd for their help and vowed to return the favor should they ever find themselves in trouble.

Bupu was present when Dhahabu arrived at Pride Rock to discuss a water treaty with Simba.

At Mizimu Grove, Rafiki and Simba announced Makini's mpando mpaya. In the midst of the celebration, the Army of Scar attacked, and the Pride Landers rose up to defend themselves. The battle paused when Scar appeared in the flames and threatened to overtake the entirety of the Pride Lands. Frightened by Scar's unexpected appearance, the remaining Pride Landers, including Bupu and his herd, fled Mizimu Grove.

Simba approached the Pride Landers once the Lion Guard had calmed them and admitted that he had had knowledge of Scar's return for some time. The herds deliberated whether they should leave the Pride Lands, and Simba told them to inform him of their decision the following morning at Pride Rock.

At Pride Rock, Kion implored Bupu and his herd to follow him to Mizimu Grove before they decided to leave the kingdom. The herds followed Kion to Mizimu Grove, where Makini's baobab tree seed had survived the fire. This inspired the Pride Landers to remain in the kingdom and work together to defeat Scar.

### Battle for the Pride Lands

―Bupu[src] | ”

Bupu arrived at Pride Rock to train for the war with Scar and his army. While there, he witnessed Scar's spirit appearing in the flames of Pride Rock. Once the fire had died down, the Pride Landers considered calling off the attack entirely, but Janja and Jasiri approached with some advice on how to defeat Scar. Consequently, Simba readied an invasion force for the morning and advised everyone to get some rest.

Later, Bupu joined the Pride Landers in battle against the Outlanders. He charged into the fight with Laini on his head. In the midst of the battle, Dogo's brothers threw stones at Bupu's herd, which caused them to tumble, but Shujaa arrived to save them. After an extended fight, the Pride Landers defeated the Army of Scar, and Bupu returned home with his herd.

### Lion Guard's trip to the Tree of Life

Bupu bid the Lion Guard farewell as they left on their journey to the Tree of Life. After the Lion Guard's return, Bupu gathered with other Pride Landers at Mizimu Grove for the announcement of the Battle of the Lion Guards. He watched Beshte's, Fuli's, and Bunga's individual competitions.

### Kion's coronation

Kion mentioned that Bupu attended his coronation and wedding to Rani.

### Mufasa's funeral

―Bupu on Mufasa[src] | ”

Bupu was present at Mufasa's funeral and ascension in Kilio Valley. His herd brought flowers for Mufasa's grave.

## Physical appearance

Bupu is a tall, large, and solidly built sable antelope. He has black fur, with pale gray markings on his chest, face, and muzzle. He has two long curved gray horns, thin legs, and a short black mane that runs down his neck. His eyes are blue.

## Personality and traits

―Bupu[src] | ”

Sable antelope are renowned for their stubbornness, which Bupu displays in excess. Even in harrowing situations, he refuses to listen to reason and would rather do as his instincts dictate. He can be lazy and uncaring, though he does value the safety of his herd over his own desires. Ultimately, Bupu values respect and will follow orders if spoken to in a polite manner.

## Relationships

	+ Boboka - Close Friend
	+ Boboka's son
* Night Pride
	+ Kion
	+ Ono
	+ Beshte
	+ Fuli
	+ Bunga
	+ Anga
	+ Rani
	+ Surak
	+ Nirmala
	+ Baliyo
* Simba's pride
	+ Simba
	+ Nala
	+ Kiara
* Pride Landers - Former Teammates
	+ Ma Tembo
	+ Mbeya
	+ Twiga
	+ Vuruga Vuruga
	+ Baboon leader
	+ Zazu - Friend
	+ Makuu - Former Enemy
	+ Laini - Close Friend
	+ Mzaha - Former Associate
	+ Nyuni - Partner
	+ Kifaru
	+ Mtoto's mother
	+ Zito
	+ Thurston
	+ Basi
	+ Muhangus
	+ Hadithi
	+ Mwenzi
	+ Timon
	+ Pumbaa
	+ Hodari
* Jasiri's clan
	+ Jasiri
	+ Janja - Former Enemy
	+ Cheezi - Former Enemy
	+ Chungu - Former Enemy
	+ Nne - Former Attempted Victim
	+ Tano - Former Enemy
	+ Madoa
* Shujaa
* Royal Mjuzis
	+ Rafiki †
	+ Makini
* Reirei's pack - Former Enemies
	+ Reirei - Former Attempted Victim
	+ Goigoi
* Kiburi's float - Former Enemies
	+ Kiburi
	+ Tamka
* Mzingo's parliament - Former Enemies
	+ Mzingo
	+ Mwoga
	+ Scar †
	+ Ushari †
	+ Nduli
	+ Dogo - Attempted Killer
	+ Kijana - Attempted Killer
	+ Dogo's brothers - Attempted Killers
* Shupavu's group
	+ Shupavu
	+ Njano
	+ Nyeusi
	+ Nyata
	+ Waza

## Appearances

* *The Lion King: Revisited*
	+ "Lions of the Outlands"
	+ "The Rise of Scar"
	+ "Snow Day"
	+ "Hyena Resistance"
	+ "Pride Landers Unite!"
	+ "The Ultimate Showdown"
	+ "Battle for the Pride Lands"
	+ "Return to the Pride Lands"
	+ "Epilogue: An Important Coronation"
	+ "Lion Guard: Wild Schemes and Catastrophes"

## Trivia

### General

* Bupu was voiced by Michael Dorn.

* Bupu's name means "empty husk" or "empty shell" in Swahili.

* Bupu will not obey another's command unless they are polite.

### In development

* In an early draft of *Epilogue: An Important Coronation*, Bupu confronted Kifo, the Lion of Death, during the battle of Mount Kilimanjaro.