| “ | That's my boy! He got some gumption there! | „ |
| ~ Zuba's most famous quote. |
Zuba is the overarching protagonist of DreamWorks' Madagascar franchise.
He serves as the Alpha Lion of the Pride in Africa, Alakay/Alex's father, Florrie's husband, and Makunga's rival/arch-nemesis.
He was voiced by the late Bernie Mac, who also voiced himself in The Bernie Mac Show.
Role
Zuba was trying to teach Alakay how to fight, but the cub was too distracted by dancing. When Makunga challenges Zuba to another fight, Alakay starts off only to come face to face with poachers who lock him in a crate. Zuba chased after the truck, and tried to free his son, but got shot by the poachers in the process. Fortunately, he survived, only he got part of his left ear shot off. By the time Zuba's vision clears from the blow, he never noticed that his son's crate had fallen off the truck and into the river and continues to chase the truck.
He, along with Florrie, presumably hosted a funeral for his son, as if thinking that he's dead.
Years later, when Alakay, who is renamed Alex, and the gang crash land in Africa, they come face to face with Zuba. Zuba gets the impression that Alex has come to take over at first, but Florrie notices and recognizes through Alex that he is their lost son, Alakay as checks his left paw that has the same birthmark as his father's, making him and realizes that Alex is their son. Finally reunited with their long-lost son, Zuba announced that his son is home and proposes a celebration for his return.
That night, Zuba and Florrie showed Alex about his childhood merchandise (including his last paw print before the poachers cub-napped him, and his old blanket, "Foofie").
The next day, Zuba watches over Alex whose first attempt was to beat Teetsi to be the leader of the lions. Alex failed to his opponent, so Makunga gave him the Hat of Shame. A day later, Zuba feels disappointed about Alex failing his task. Alex is then banished from his pride. The next day, Florrie reasons and reminds him that their son is back, fighter or not, and they must not lose him again. Makunga, through pretension, reports urgently to him that the watering hole is dried up and Alex went off the reserve again to fix it. Fearing what will happen to him, Zuba goes off to rescue his boy while Florrie was ordered to stay behind in case he comes back. When Zuba comes to the rescue in time, he observes how the people of New York are cheering and applauding Alex's performance, just like he did at the Zoo. Later on, the two lions trick Makunga into getting beaten up by Nana, thus banishing their enemy. Zuba reclaims his leadership afterwards.
Physical Appearance
As a younger adult, Zuba has dark gold fur, green eyes, and a black mane. He also has a hole in his left ear after he gets hit by a gunshot while trying to save Alex from the poachers.
As an older adult, Zuba remains the same, except that his mane now has several grey streaks.
Zuba bears a resemblance to adult Alex, with the exception of his fur, eye and mane color, and size. He is also slightly muscular. As a bonus, Zuba and Alex share the same birthmark on their paw.
Audio Sample
Quotes
| “ | My son! Hahahahaha! My son is home! | „ |
| ~ Zuba upon reuniting with his son, Alakay/Alex. |
| “ | The king is mad! The king is mad! | „ |
| ~ Zuba after Alex does his trademark pose and roar. |
| “ | I gotcha, son. | „ |
| ~ Zuba after he tricked his son with his frown and smile; also the last lines of Zuba's voice actor, Bernie Mac, after his death. |
| “ | Zuba: You deserve this, son. Welcome to the pride.
Alex: Thanks, Dad. But this belongs to you. Zuba: No! No, son. to us! |
„ |
| ~ Zuba sharing his position as Alpha Lion with Alex. |
Gallery
Promotional
Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa
Trivia
- Bernie Mac never finished his lines for Zuba before his death. Because of this, promotion and press was done by Sherri Shepherd, who did those and the voice of his wife, Florrie. Also, some previously recorded lines of his were used too. Ben Stiller (Alex) stated "Working with Bernie was almost like he actually was a father to me."
- Bernie Mac's death might be the main reason why Zuba and Florrie don't appear in Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted.
 Heroes
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