Bunga

"Zuka Zama!"

- Bunga's catchphrase

Bunga is Kion's best friend, and a member of The Lion Guard. His specialty is his bravery.

Appearance
Bunga's body is shown to be of a good build, and has a gray-blue fur all over, with a darker patch across his belly. His claws on both his hands and feet are of a more dark royal blue color. Under his arms is pure white fur. This fur color is also present across his back, and continues all the way up to his forehead.

His eyes are very dark blue, with thick black eyebrows. His ear lobes are pink, and his nose is dark magenta. Some slightly darker freckles can be found on either side of his face. He also appears to have a slight overbite.

His Mark of the Lion Guard can be found on his left arm just like the other members, in a brighter tint.

Personality
Bunga is a brave honey badger, who is usually seen leaping head first into action. As such, he is Kion's opposite in many ways. Bunga frequently leaps into danger, often without considering the consequences and improvising to the best of his ability. When their Baobab fruit fell into the Outlands, Bunga went as far as to call Kion's father a 'scaredy cat' when Kion showed obedience to him. When kidnapped by hyenas, Bunga refused to give in, and, even when outnumbered, still showed immense bravery.

In Bunga the Wise, Bunga is shown to have a tendency to jump to conclusions when he heard Rafiki say that honey badgers are the smartest animals, but didn't stick around long enough to hear the rest of what Rafiki had to say. He is also shown to believe in quick and easy solutions.

Prior to The Lion Guard: Return of the Roar


When Bunga was very young, he didn't know his parents, as far as he can remember. One day, while rummaging for grubs, Bunga spotted Timon and Pumbaa searching for Utamu. He noticed several

similarities between himself and the two of them, and began to follow them. Pumbaa almost immediately wanted to keep him, but it was only after Bunga climbed to the top of a rotton tree for the sake of finding Utamu grubs for Timon that Timon allowed Bunga to stay. They called him Bunga due to his foolish bravery.

The Lion Guard: Return of the Roar
The story begins by introducing the audience to Kion and his best friend, a honey badger named Bunga. The two are playing on Pride Rock, where Kion's father, the ruler of the Pride Lands, Simba, is teaching his daughter Kiara about her future as queen of the Pride Lands. Kion and Bunga's game of Baobab Ball get in the way of his lesson, much to his sister's irritance. After Simba points out the importance of the lessons, the two take their fun into the Pride Lands to avoid further disturbances. Bunga hurls himself off of the top of Pride Rock, curling himself into a ball and landing in a nearby tree, safe from harm. The two continue their playing their game of baobab across the plains, but soon the Baobab rolls off into the Outlands. Kion is hesitant to go down, since his father strictly prohibited him from venturing there. Bunga, on the other hand, has no fear of the Outlands, and gladly leaps down. However, shortly after reclaiming the fruit, two hyenas - Cheezi and Chungu - grab Bunga, and plan to hand him over to their leader, Janja, for his lunch. Bunga shows little fear and even engages in a stare down with Cheezi, showing agitation when Chungu holds him back. Worried for his friend's safety, Kion lets loose a huge roar, which leaves the hyenas in shock, and gives Bunga a chance to climb back to safety. Bunga is curious as to how his friend produced such an amazing roar, and Kion admits that he doesn't know how.

Meanwhile, Simba and Rafiki overhear the Roar. Simba at first does not believe that his son is ready, with him being a cub still. Kion and Bunga then arrive back at Pride Rock. Simba and Rafiki lead them both to a secret lair hidden within Pride Rock - The Lair of the Lion Guard. Simba explains to his son that his great uncle Scar was also gifted with the Roar of the Elders, and that he lost it by using it for evil by destroying his Guard. He also explains that it is now his turn to lead the guard, and that he must assemble the fiercest, bravest, fastest, strongest and keenest of sight. Kion doesn't hesitate to begin his mission, and immediately selects his friend Bunga, claiming that he doesn't know anyone braver than him. Bunga rushes to tell his uncles, Timon and Pumbaa and gets caught up with Kiara and her friends, Tiifu and Zuri along the way, and tells them all about Zuka Zama in the meantime. A vulture named Mzingo overhears the news of a new Lion Guard whilst this happens, and relays the news on to Janja, the leader of the hyenas. The pair concoct a scheme to take down as many animals as they can before the new Lion Guard is formed, starting that same day. Meanwhile, Kion has assembled a group which he believes best fit the criteria for being a member of the Lion Guard, with Bunga still confirmed as his first member. This includes Fuli the cheetah, Beshte the hippopotamus and Ono the egret. Fuli wishes to see the fiercest member, to which Bunga encourages his friend to show her the roar. Kion is hesitant, as he does not wish to abuse his power like Scar. However, when he attempts to use it just for this occasion, all he can manage is a tiny squeak. Simba then arrives to see the new Guard, but soon tells Kion that the Lion Guard has always been made of lions. Kion leaves the group to do some soul searching. Just then, Bunga calls Kion, and tells him that the hyenas are attacking the herd of gazelles. Kion and Bunga then rush off to find the rest of the Lion Guard. Ono, Fuli and Beshte watch on, as Ono explains that Mzingo is telling the hyenas which one to attack next. They soon realise that the hyenas, having already killed two gazelles, are hunting for sport. Kion soon arrives, having heard their words, and tells them that he doesn't care if they're not all lions, and that this was the Lion Guard for him. Although Bunga is quick to leap in, he is stopped by Kion, who has a plan. The lion then goes against his father's wishes and places his paw on each of his friend's shoulders, to give them the Mark of the Lion Guard. Together, they rush into action.

The Guard quietly make their way down to the gazelle's grazing grounds, before launching a surprise attack with Kion at the front of the group. With Ono taking care of Mzingo, Bunga, Beshte and Fuli focus on the hyenas. The hyenas soon start to make a desperate retreat. Simba, Nala, Tiifu and Rafiki arrive just in time to see the new Lion Guard chase the hyenas away. Although they assume that their work is done, it turns out that Kion's sister Kiara is still in danger. Tiifu points out that the herd is charging right for Kiara, who is hiding behind a rock. She slips and wounds her paw, leaving everyone concerned. Bunga has an idea, and asks Fuli to get him close. Ono then scouts ahead, and, when close enough, Bunga leaps onto the rock protecting Kiara. He turns around, and lets loose a large fart, which causes the gazelles to part ways. Kiara thanks Bunga, and returns to her parents.

After witnessing the whole event, Rafiki assures Simba that Kion is ready. As Kion and his Guard rush back to Pride Rock, Simba is happy to accept the new Lion Guard, acknowledging that it is now their time.

Never Judge a Hyena by Its Spots
Janja, Cheezi and Chungu are out chasing Oryxes, until the Lion Guard arrive to scare them off. Kion tells his friends to calm the herd down, whilst he tackles the hyenas personally. After Bunga and Beshte calm them down, Fuli notices that Kion is taking a long time, and asks Ono to check out what's taking him so long. He soon sees Kion in trouble, holding onto the log of the tree that snapped off with him, heading downstream. Ono quickly alerts the rest of the Lion Guard, and they run down to find Kion holding on for dear life. Bunga, desperate to save his friend, leaps in, but Beshte soon jumps in to take him back to land as the current proves to be too strong.

Kion eventually manages to paddle to safety and onto land, just as his friends catch up on the other side. Kion confirms that he's okay. With no choice thanks to the fast current, Kion tells everyone to meet him at Flat Ridge Rock. Bunga tells everyone that he knows where that is, and leads Fuli and Beshte off. Kion tells Ono to go with them, just in case Bunga doesn't really know the way. Bunga starts to lead the group through a forest, though Fuli doubts that he knows the way. After taking the team through a series of dead ends, and almost disturbing Ushari, Fuli's suspicions are confirmed when Bunga finally admits that they're lost.

Meanwhile, Ono has led Bunga, Beshte and Fuli out of the forest, and near a herd of Zebra. They soon realise that none of them know where to go, much to Fuli's chagrin. As the group talk amongst themselves, one of the Zebra approach them, and asks what the problem is. They explain that they're looking for Flat Ridge Rock, and the Zebra asks where it is specifically. They point out that they don't know, which is why they were asking, and the Zebra informs them that he has no idea where it is, and instead, asks where he was going. Ono tells him back to his herd, and the Zebra thanks Ono, before leaving. Beshte suggests that maybe Mbeya knows where to find Flat Ridge Rock, and Fuli asks if Beshte knows where to find him. He tells them that usually at this time of the day, he is hanging out at the Watering Hole, and Fuli asks Ono to guide them there, grabbing Bunga before he walks the other way.

Later, Beshte locates Mbeya, and the two are talking in the Watering Hole. Fuli questions what's taking so long, and Bunga mentions that Beshte loves to talk. Ono flies over to remind Beshte that Kion needs them, and the hippo says goodbye to Mbeya. Bunga and Fuli are eager the know what he said, but it turns out that Beshte forgot to ask, and returns, leaving them slightly irritated. Bunga, Fuli, Beshte and Ono wade through a river, with Bunga snacking on the surrounding flies. As they reach the end, Ono notices the rock which appears to be Flat Ridge Rock. Fuli says that she'll lead, and dashes off, leaving Bunga and the others behind.

Fuli awaits her friends at Flat Ridge Rock, though the other members are exhausted, having had to run to catch up with her. Bunga then realises where they are, and that he himself has actually been there. He also knew a shortcut, which annoys his friends. Fuli, Beshte, Bunga and Ono soon hear a commotion in the Outlands. The group make their way down to see Jasiri near Kion. Kion explains that she is his friend, and they ease up on the hyena. Bunga and the Lion Guard soon make their way back to Flat Ridge Rock. As Kion says farewell to Jasiri, Bunga and the Lion Guard return to the Pride Lands, with Kion racing to catch up with them.

The Rise of Makuu
Bunga and the Lion Guard are seen running through the Pride Lands in response to a cry for help. When they discover the animal in need to be a hyrax stuck in a thorn bush. Bunga tries to get him out, but Fuli reminds him that he would be dragging the hyrax through the bush and hurting him in the process. Bunga then suggests that Kion uses the Roar of the Elders to free the trapped animal, but Fuli shoots down this plan as well, alerting him to the question of what would happen to the hyrax if Kion used the Roar. Kion tells them that they can simply pull the thorns aside. Bunga complies, and Fuli darts through the bush and grabs he hyrax.

After the hyrax is freed, however, he is eaten by Ushari the cobra. Bunga protests and grabs Ushari, forcing him to spit out his meal. When Ushari tells Bunga that the hyrax was his lunch, Bunga says it was "to go" and flings Ushari away. The hyrax gratefully attempts to hug Bunga, but immediately flees, screeching, due to Bunga's repulsive odor. Despite this, Bunga takes it as a compliment. Beshte meanwhile is covered in flowers, which have caused him to become sticky, much to Ono's worry. As Beshte mentions that he needs a bath, Ono points out that Bunga could use one too. Beshte suggests a dip in Big Springs. After Beshte shows the Lion Guard how the fish clean him, Bunga tries to get the fish to clean him off as well However, the fish are just as disgusted by Bunga's scent as the hyrax. Bunga then watches as the crocodiles arrive, and the young crocodile Makuu challenges the elderly Pua for his leadership of the float by way of Mashindano. Pua accepts the challenge. After the Guard leaves Big Springs, Ono attempts to talk with Bunga and fix his odor problem. Bunga's adoptive uncles, Timon and Pumbaa, protest, the the four of them sing Don't Make a Stink together. This results in a group of insects swarming over Bunga, much to Ono's disapproval. Ono tells Bunga that he'll find a solution eventually. True to his word, Ono is showing Bunga another way of cleaning himself when Kiara arrives in the Lair of the Lion Guard, worried. She explains that Zazu reported animals in the Pride Lands out of order. When Ono investigates, he discovers all of the Pridelanders in the wrong places, with the crocodiles being at the bottom of the chaos, having moved into Big Springs. When the Lion Guard goes to talk to Makuu, he refuses to lead his float away without a fight. Bunga and the rest of the Lion Guard are up to it, but Kion refuses. They return to Pride Rock to find it full of baboons. While Kion is speaking to Kiara, Ono declares that he has a solution to Bunga's odor problem. He tells Bunga to roll in mint leaves, as well as eat one, and Bunga is immediately cured of his stench. After talking to his grandfather, Kion reveals that he has a solution to defeat Makuu. He plans to show Makuu the Roar of the Elders so Makuu knows what he would be up against if it came to a fight. Beshte tells him the Grove of Trees is vacant of animals, and Kion decides that he will direct his Roar there. But when the Lion Guard sweeps the grove to check for any animals, they discover the hyrax in a tree, peacefully eating. Bunga tries to drive the hyrax down with his smell, but due to the mint leaves, he no longer stinks. Eventually Bunga brings the hyrax down in tow, and he and Fuli clear out so that Kion can roar without anyone getting hurt. Once everything has been sorted out, Ono apologizes to Bunga for trying to rid him of his stink, admitting that it has its uses. Bunga replies with "Hakuna Matata", saying simply that he knows it'll wear off soon. When the hyrax climbs upon his back, he laughs and adds that the sooner, the better. The rest of the Guard laughs with him.

Bunga the Wise
The Lion Guard are out in a storm, trying to save some baboons in a tree that is gradually breaking. They don't wish to come down since they're dry in the tree, but Beshte is struggling to keep the tree from tumbling down the nearby cliff edge. Kion has an idea, and Bunga leaps onto the tree and farts in their general direction. Most of the baboons then retreat back down, and Bunga drags the final baboon down to the ground, just as the tree falls over the cliff.

With the storm subsided, the Lion Guard decide to rest nearby. Kion leaves the group briefly to seek advice from his grandfather. When Kion returns to the guard, he sees a large stream of water heading straight for them. He wakes them up, and asks Ono to check out what's going on. He informs him that Lake Kaziwa is too full, causing a leak which is getting worse. Kion realises that they need to do something, and Bunga has the idea of blocking the water with rocks. Other animals arrive and compliment Bunga on his good idea. Kion, however, is not so sure that the quick fix is a good idea. A small amount of water leaks out, and Bunga is quick to stick a stick in it. The animals once again are impressed, though Fuli has doubts. Rafiki overhears this nearby, and mentions that honey badgers are the smartest animals, before his baobab fruits fall from his hands. Bunga becomes excited, and runs off to tell his uncles, with the Lion Guard chasing after him, not staying around to hear the rest of the wise baboon's words.

The Lion Guard lose track of Bunga, though soon catch up to him at Hakuna Matata Falls. Timon and Pumbaa explain that Bunga is giving out advice. Some animals start asking for help, and Bunga proceeds to give them terrible advice. Timon and Pumbaa quickly tell everyone to get back in line, refusing anymore freebies. A mongoose gives Timon a bug, and he's ready to let him in, until the Lion Guard tell him that they need to speak with Bunga. Annoyed, Timon allows them access, although Beshte is too big to fit through and instead waits outside.

They speak with Bunga, who reminds them of Rafiki's words, and that he is now the smartest and bravest animal in the Pride Lands, and that he plans on giving all the animals advice. Timon then ushers the Lion Guard out, since other animals are waiting for Bunga's advice. Later, the Lion Guard encounter a herd of animals singing 'Make way for Bunga the Wise'. They run over, to find out that Bunga is taking his advice all over the Pride Lands. Kion urges his best friend to stop, as his terrible advice is causing chaos in the Pride Lands. As they're talking, the temporary dam bursts and the animals run. Kion tells the Lion Guard to follow him, as he rushes to save some nearby animals. Although Timon and Pumbaa want Bunga to run, he remembers his responsibilities, and instead follows them. A baby elephant follows Bunga. The Lion Guard race across the plains, and end up entering an area surrounded by rocks. As Ono sees one route leading outside where the water can follow, he tells them left, though soon realises that he has sent them to a dead end. The other animals look to Bunga for advice, but he confesses that Kion knows best. Kion tells everyone to get behind him, and performs the Roar of the Elders, which pushes the water back and out the other way, with rocks falling down to secure their safety.

The animals and the Lion Guard are finally able to relax, near a waterfall that was created when Kion used his roar. Bunga finds the perfect spot to relax, though Rafiki warns him not to. As Bunga reminds him of what he said, Rafiki finishes his phrase from earlier, though not before Bunga is mid-way of a leap into the flowers. He lands in a mud pile hidden by the flowers, though doesn't mind not being the smartest animal after all.

Can't Wait to be Queen
The Lion Guard sans Ono have heard the news - Kiara is now the queen. Bunga see's it as a positive event, although his best friend Kion is still a little annoyed, reminding his friends that the position is temporary. They watch as Ono then flies over to Pride Rock, much to their confusion. Once they arrive, Ono is cleaning himself in preparation for Kiara's appearance, explaining that he has been asked to give her the morning report. Tiifu and Zuri appear, announcing Kiara's presence. Bunga bows down, and whilst Tiifu and Zuri believe it is appropriate behavior, Kiara thinks otherwise. She approaches Ono, though Kion expresses his anger at taking him away from the Lion Guard. After hearing the morning report from Ono, Kiara becomes worried that the bees may sting the eland herd and send them into chaos. Kion is about to leave, when Kiara asks if the Lion Guard can divert the eland away from the bees nest. He reluctantly agrees, and Bunga bows once more to the queen.

The Lion Guard find the bees, and Ono confirms that the eland herd are on their way. Mzingo watches nearby, hearing Kion's issue with his sister. Since his sister couldn't tell him how to handle the situation, as opposed to moving the eland away from the bees as Kiara stated, he believes that the best solution is to move the bees. This plan backfires, and the bees chase after the Lion Guard, whilst Bunga eats some honey from a fallen beehive, blissfully unaware of the chaos surrounding him.

The Lion Guard return to Pride Rock covered in bee stings (with the exception of Bunga), and Kion insists that it wasn't a total disaster, though Kiara disbelieves him. Bunga snacks on a bee, whilst the rest of the Guard explain what happened to the queen. As they leave, Bunga once again bows to Kiara.

Kion later gathers the Lion Guard again, after his sister travels into the Outlands alone to meet with Janja. They venture there themselves, and Ono tracks down Kiara for them. Kion runs off ahead to defend Kiara against Janja, and although Janja is okay with the odds, Bunga and the rest of the Lion Guard join the two lion cubs, marking the numbers as equal. Janja makes a quick retreat, and his clan flees back into the depths of the Outlands, leaving the Lion Guard safe once again, and free to return home.

Eye of the Beholder
The Lion Guard are out in the middle of a wildebeest stampede, trying to locate Janja and the hyenas. Ono is scouting above, and soon locates Cheezi and Chungu about to prey on a young wildebeest. He calls for Bunga and Beshte to sort out the problem, to which they do. Kion meanwhile manages to defeat Janja, who takes his hyena companions back to the Outlands. Kion orders Ono to make certain that they leave the Pride Lands, whilst they watch from the ground. Bunga and the rest of the Guard then witness Ono's injury, and together they take him back to the Lair of the Lion Guard.

Rafiki is painting in The Lair of the Lion Guard, when the Guard arrive. After fixing him up, Bunga tries to find words of encouragement for his wounded friend, though he lacks the skills to do so in a good manner. As Fuli notices the paintings of the Lion Guards around the room, Bunga becomes particularly excited as he sees his own painting amongst the others. When Kion asks Ono what he thinks, Bunga points out that Ono can't see properly, which causes him to fly off. Bunga and the Guard chase after him outside. However, Ono crash lands, and Bunga follows the rest of the Lion Guard's words by making sure that Ono rests up.

Back in the Lair, Kion is posing dramatically for Rafiki, who is still painting. Still not happy with the outcome, Bunga suggests that Kion poses 'more like a lion', and attempts to move his body around for a more powerful pose. Rafiki becomes increasingly annoyed, and Bunga then suggests painting him instead, launching himself into a variety of dynamic poses until a coconut shell covers his head. Rafiki ushers everyone out and begins to meditate, stating that he needs some peace. His peace is disturbed almost immediately much to his disappointment, as Beshte comes charging in with news for the Lion Guard. He explains that his friend Kulu's cousin overheard a buffalo talking about something his sister saw earlier in the day at the canyon near Chakula Plains, which turns out to be Janja and the hyenas at the edge, overlooking the plains. With the zebra herd grazing nearby Kion then orders the Lion Guard out, sans Ono.

The Guard finally arrive canyon, and, as they pass, the hyenas push the large stack of rocks in their path. The Guard are about to turn around and return to take the longer path, but Janja pushes a bigger rock nearby, which causes a minor landslide to block the other way. Beshte manages to hold up a steep rock, which the rest of the Guard hide under. Bunga shows much enthusiasm to do it all over again, though Kion disagrees.Janja, Cheezi and Chungu then taunt the Guard before they leave, to cause mayhem with the zebra. Bunga urges Kion to use the roar, though Kion refuses, pointing out that the rocks will likely hit the zebra. Bunga suggests the other rock, though Fuli reminds him that it's the long way, and by that time it will be too late. Ono then arrives, and Kion has an idea.

Bunga is soon seen peeking through the rocks, although it turns out that he can't actually see anything. Ono returns, and the Guard are ordered to stand behind Kion as he uses the Roar of the Elders to blast the rocks away, which land on the hyenas. The Guard are pleased to see the hyenas withdrawing back into the Outlands once again.

Meanwhile, back at the Lair Rafiki has finally finished his portrait. Bunga and the Lion Guard watch as the pictures re-assemble together to form a pyramid-like structure. Rafiki closes by saying that this Lion Guard is better off together.

The Kupatana Celebration
Simba and the Lion Guard are relaxing in the Pride Lands on the day of Kupatana, watching a choir of

animals rehearse the song Our Kupatana Community. Bunga is very eager for Kupatana, mentioning that it is the biggest party in the Pride Lands. Kion corrects his friend, reminding him that Kupatana isn't just a party, and Simba agrees, pointing out how it is the only day in which the animals of the Pride Lands gather in peace. Their conversation is interrupted by distressed yipping sounds from the distance, and Ono flies up to see what the problem is. He reports a jackal pup being chased by Janja's clan, and Simba encourages Kion to save the pup. Kion decides to do so, and Bunga calls out his catchphrase as the Lion Guard races to the rescue.

By the time the Guard arrives in the Outlands, Janja's clan has cornered the pup. Just as Janja lunges for him, Kion intervenes, ordering Janja to leave the pup alone. Bunga reminds Janja that it's the day of Kupatana, which appears to please Janja. Janja then tells the Lion Guard that they're welcome to the pup, and he and his clan retreat further into the Outlands. The pup introduces himself as Dogo and thanks the Lion Guard enthusiastically, jumping up and placing his front paws on Bunga briefly as he darts around in circles. He recalls that the Lion Guard just "looked at the hyenas, and they ran away", and Bunga proudly tells him that the Guard has that effect on "no-goods". Dogo asks if he can return to the Pride Lands with the Guard, and Kion permits it. After the Lion Guard returns to the Pride Lands, Bunga and Behste tell Dogo about Kupatana. Fuli protests, but Kion says that it might be good for Dogo to learn about Kupatana, which pleases Bunga and Beshte. The Guard takes Dogo to a hillside and tells him that he may stay there. Bunga mentions that the hillside is a perfect spot, and Beshte agrees. The Guard splits up to continue patrol. Bunga and Beshte head to the Watering Hole, where they discover Dogo sleeping in front of the den of Muhanga the aardvark. Bunga is reluctant to wake him, commenting on how cute Dogo is, but Beshte points out that the den is occupied, and that Dogo can't rest there. He wakes Dogo and reminds him of his place on the hillside, and Dogo trots away. Bunga and Beshte then encounter another jackal pup in front of a second aardvark den. They mistake him for Dogo and order him away once more. Bunga comments "Weird . . ." as they continue on patrol, and immediately encounter another pup sleeping in front of an aardvark den. Bunga firmly tells the pup that he cannot stay in an aardvark den, but suddenly, many more jackal pups emerge from the dens. Just then, a pair of aardvarks arrive. Beshte assures them that he and Bunga will take care of the situation, and Bunga agrees, then uncertainly asks how. Not knowing what to do, the two yell for Kion.

When Kion arrives, he finds Bunga and Beshte standing between the aardvarks and the jackal pups. He attempts to locate Dogo, but is instead greeted by Dogo's mother, Rairai, with Dogo's father Goigoi at her side. As Kion tries to sort out the situation, the Guard hears a call for help. Ono reports that Mbeya the rhino is stuck in the mud at Lake Matope, and the Guard goes to save him, Kion quickly ordering Rairai to stay away from the aardvarks' dens and food before he leaves.

After the Guard saves Mbeya, they discover that the jackals have caused even more trouble. Kion sorts things out with Rairai, even permitting her to come to the Kupatana Celebration, and the Guard goes to clean the mud off of themselves. Soon, the time of Kupatana arrives. Bunga and the Guard watch the animal choir perform, and Bunga quietly asks Ono if Dogo and his family have arrived yet. Ono replies that he can't see them, but just as the celebration begins, the jackal family attacks, causing chaos. The Pridelanders stand together per Kion and Simba's advice as the Lion Guard rounds up the jackals. Bunga grabs Dogo by the tail, declaring that he no longer finds Dogo cute. The jackals are soon driven away, and Kion apologizes to his father for letting the jackals in. Simba forgives his son for his mistake, but Kion then says that he supposes the celebration is over. Bunga protests, and begins to eat the fallen baobab flowers, declaring that it is the best Kupatana ever.

Fuli's New Family
The Lion Guard are rounding up some buffaloes to dry ground. One buffalo becomes stuck in the mud, and Kion calls for Beshte and Bunga to sort it out. They do so, though the force of Beshte's push causes Bunga to fall far back and land in a bush. He leaps out after being bitten by something, and when the Lion Guard regroup, they discover it to be Ushari. Ono is fearful, warning them not to get bitten. Bunga reveals his bite, and Beshte questions why the cobra bit Bunga, to which Ushari replies that it was because he landed on his head. Ono explains that the cobra's bite is venomous, and Bunga acts dramatic. Ono believes that the poison has hit his system, and that they'll have to suck it out. When Bunga offers them his behind, they decide to try Rafiki instead.

They meet him at the Tree of Life, where Timon and Pumbaa have already been informed of the bad news by Ono. They are heartbroken, as Bunga continues to act dramatically as he believes that he is dying. Timon and Pumbaa can't see what Rafiki can do, and when he arrives, Rafiki tells them just what he's going to do: nothing. They are shocked to hear this, though Bunga is certain that his end is near, collapsing and grabbing a flower to rest on his stomach. As Timon and Pumbaa start crying, Rafiki reveals that Bunga is actually immune. He questions the meaning, and Ono explains. The Guard are a little annoyed, particularly Fuli, who honestly believed that he was dying. Timon and Pumbaa are overjoyed that he is safe, and invite everyone back to Hakuna Matata Falls for a feast. Timon refuses to let Fuli eat alone, claiming that friends never leave other friends to eat alone. She hesitates, though joins them regardless.

At Hakuna Matata Falls, Timon and Pumbaa are snuggling up to Fuli. They invite Bunga over, who is messing around with a crocodile by standing in his mouth after he opens it himself. Fuli dashes across and saves Bunga, who doesn't care because he is 'immune'. Annoyed at his antics, Fuli leaves. Bunga is offered some bugs, though since they're not poisonous, he turns them down, leaving Timon and Pumbaa to finish the bugs themselves.

Later in the day, Bunga is bouncing a Porcupine on his head whilst Kion watches. Bunga still believes he is immune to everything, though soon drops the porcupine by mistake. Kion notices Fuli hunting a gazelle, and interrupts her. He invites her to his family's hunt, and Fuli is genuinely excited. They invite Bunga, though he wishes to find something else to do. They leave, and although Bunga is about to bounce the porcupine on his head for the hundredth time, the porcupine tells him to 'go play in a volcano'. Bunga takes this literally, and ignores the porcupine's call for him to return.

Soon, Bunga arrives at the Outlands, still believing to be immune to everything. Cheezi notices him and soon calls for Janja (who is receiving a back scratch from Chungu). They run back to see Bunga laying in a geyser, one which even Chungu comments as being too hot for him to go near. Although confused, Janja doesn't care, since Bunga is warming up for them in his opinion. When Bunga gets out, Janja blocks him from walking further, though Bunga has no fear. He informs the hyenas that he is immune rather loudly, and Fuli soon hears Bunga's voice in the Outlands. She immediately realises that something is wrong and dashes over. Luckily for Bunga, the hyenas are too busy questioning what immune means, and before Janja can eat him, Fuli arrives to save him. Bunga, however, is agitated, since things were just about to get fun. The rock they're on breaks, and falls into the lava, floating downstream. Bunga grabs onto Fuli, and finally agrees with his uncles on her softness.

Meanwhile, the Lion Guard are searching for Fuli. Ono sees her and Bunga floating down the lava, and tells them to hurry. The rock they're on starts to break away, and a hot rock lands on Bunga's tail which causes him pain. Fuli knocks it off, but Bunga realises that he isn't actually immune to everything. As the rock breaks further, he hops onto Fuli for support. As they take a short dip down a steep path, the hyenas are waiting for them on either side. Kion, Ono and Beshte arrive just in time, and, after Bunga admits that he's not immune, Beshte knocks over a dead tree for them to land on. Fuli and Bunga land on the tree, but Janja and the hyenas leap onto the tree themselves, trying to catch up to them. Fuli isn't worried, and speeds off the other end with Bunga, leaving the hyenas trapped on the fiery tree. Back in the Pride Lands, Bunga is still snuggling Fuli, who promptly stops so that her baggage can fall off. They decide to cool off at the Watering Hole, but Kion remembers that Fuli likes to be alone and that it's okay if she'd rather not. Fuli explains that whilst she likes to be alone while hunting, she does in fact enjoy hanging out with them, and that she considers them her family. She allows them to cuddle with her and the group share a hearty hug together.

Trivia

 * His catchphrase, Zuka Zama, means 'Pop up and dive in'.
 * Bunga and Pumbaa are possibly the first Disney Jr. characters to experience flatulence onscreen (although Bunga has more control over it than Pumbaa does).
 * Bunga's name means 'foolish person' in Swahili.
 * Bunga's earlier design was very similar to his current one, but his fur was a paler, brighter shade of blue.
 * Bunga is the second known animal to be adopted by Timon and Pumbaa, the first being Simba