“ | Oh, you'll understand when you have kids of your own. Well, not exactly your own. But you'll understand when a lost lion or lonely honey badger wanders into your little corner of the world. | ” |
–Pumbaa, Bunga and the King |
Pumbaa is a male and friendly warthog, the best friend of Timon and Bunga's adoptive uncle and Simba's adoptive father. He is a supporting character in The Lion Guard: Return of the Roar and a recurring character in The Lion Guard.
Appearance
Pumbaa is a warthog the size of a lion cub with smooth red fur that is slightly darker on his underbelly. He has a large head, a rounded lower jaw, and jutting cheeks. He has a smoothed-back mane of black hair running alone his head and neck, and a black tail tuft. His nose is light pink, with large, circular nostrils. Two ivory-colored tusks (though they seem white) jut from his upper jaw, and his small eyes have yellow sclerae. Pumbaa's inner ears are dark pink.
Personality
Pumbaa is a jolly, kind, comical, benevolent, fun-loving, happy-go-lucky, and enthusiastic warthog with a deep heart, though he is quick to panic when something goes wrong. He shows deep concern for Bunga when he is told of his future role in the Lion Guard, though soon comes to accept it. Unlike Timon, Pumbaa's intentions are always honorable and thoughtful. However, he is very emotional and expressive, and is also very unhelpful and uncooperative in a difficult situation.[1]
History
Prior to The Lion Guard

A cave painting of Simba, Pumbaa, and Timon decipeting their carefree lifestyle
Pumbaa, along with Timon, found Simba, who fled his home. They raised him to eat grubs and live a worry-free lifestyle which they call Hakuna Matata. When Simba reached adulthood and due to Nala's interference, the duo worried they had lost their friend, but then she tells them that after Rafiki; Simba went back to Pride Rock to reclaim his title as king from Scar, he and Timon went with him to help fight. The duo managed to free Zazu from his imprisonment in a ribcage during Scar's reign and defeat Shenzi, Banzai, and Ed, whilst Simba fought Scar and eventually defeated him. The battle was a success, Simba became king, taking his place in the Circle of Life, and Pumbaa and Timon have stayed in the Pride Lands ever since, moving to Hakuna Matata Falls.
One day, he and Timon were on their way to get some Utamu grubs, when they came across baby Bunga, who showed great interest in joining them. Although Pumbaa was keen to keep him, Timon was not so enthusiastic and made a couple of attempts to get him to leave. When Bunga came back with the Utamu grubs, Timon finally agreed with Pumbaa, and the two raised him. Just like Simba before him.
The Lion Guard: Return of the Roar

Timon and Pumbaa warming up to the idea of Bunga being in the Lion Guard
Timon and Pumbaa are first seen as they arrive after they hear Zuri in distress as she is stuck to a trunk with Kiara and Tiifu present. Together, they manage to get her free, just as Bunga arrives. When Zuri falls into a log full of bugs, the pair leap down to feast with the others seeming disgusted.
Timon and Pumbaa are then seen as they receive a visit from Bunga, who is excited to tell them of his new role in the Lion Guard. Both are at first largely concerned about this, with Pumbaa's fear leaning towards possible danger that he could come into contact with, seeming reluctant to Bunga joining the guard. After Bunga talks to them both and reminds them of Zuka Zama, and Kion explains that Bunga is the bravest animal he knows, they come to accept his new role after their spectizim.
The Rise of Makuu

"Please don't make a stink!"
Timon and Pumbaa are informed and approached on the problem of Bunga's odor problem by Ono at Hakuna Matata Falls stating that animals run away from him and that his odor smells bad. However, Pumbaa and Timon don't believe there's anything wrong with Bunga's scent, and that he's perfectly fine just the way he is, leading to a friendly argument with Ono over Bunga's smell in song, Bunga remaining his same scent until Ono uses mint leaves to cure his bad smell at Pride Rock later on.
Bunga the Wise

"Step right up meet Bunga the Wise!"
After Bunga hears Rafiki saying that honey badgers were the Pride Lands smartest animals, the young honey badger raced off to tell his fathers. Pumbaa and Timon both spread the word, causing many Pride Landers to come to Bunga seeking advice. When Kion and the Guard approach Timon and Pumbaa, they sing Bunga the Wise together, with Bunga eventually joining in.
Later on, Pumbaa is seen parading through the Pride Lands with Bunga during Bunga the Wise, Timon, and many other Pride Landers. Later, when Bunga's temporary dam breaks, Pumbaa flees to high ground of a tree with Timon as Rafiki peacefully meditates as Bunga is shown casually walking away, not seeming worried.
The Kupatana Celebration
Pumbaa is seen at the Kupatana Celebration beside Timon and Ushari, listening to the animal chorus sing Our Kupatana Community, though afterwards comes a jackal attack from Reirei's Pack.
Fuli's New Family

Timon and Pumbaa worried that Bunga was bitten
After Bunga is bitten by Ushari, Ono goes to tell Timon and Pumbaa as he was sent by order by Kion. By the time the Lion Guard gets Bunga to Rafiki, Pumbaa is already panicky, and he begins to sob as Bunga dramatically acts as though he is dying. Pumbaa is shocked when Rafiki says that he plans to do nothing about Bunga's wound, startling Pumbaa, but when Rafiki reveals that honey badgers are immune to snakebites, Pumbaa is delighted and stops his tears. Timon invites the Lion Guard to dinner at Hakuna Matata Falls, but they all deny as they need to be with there families. Upon hearing from Fuli that female cheetahs prefer to hunt alone, Timon insists on inviting Fuli, and she reluctantly accepts as he states he won't take No for an answer.

Pumbaa and Timon trying to convince Fuli to eat grubs for dinner
At dinner with Fuli, Timon offers her a wide variety of bugs. Fuli is disgusted, but Timon decides that the issue is that Fuli is not being engaged in dinner conversation, and tosses the bug-covered leaf behind him. Pumbaa promptly devours it, and Timon attempts to chat with Fuli but ends up marveling at how soft her fur is, even inviting Pumbaa to come to feel it. Pumbaa agrees that her fur certainly is soft. Fuli says that she doesn't like it when others touch her fur and eventually makes a quick retreat.
The Search for Utamu

"Now can we keep him"
During the search for the rare Utamu grubs, Bunga explains to Kion, Beshte, and Ono how he met his parents Timon and Pumbaa. While Timon and Pumbaa were searching for the Utamu grubs, Bunga had caught sight of them and immediately wanted to be friends. Pumbaa wanted to keep Bunga right away, and eventually convinced Timon to adopt the young honey badger and after he gets the Utamu grubs for them, Timon gives him his name, "Bunga".

Bunga, Timon and Pumbaa hugging on their friendship
Bunga is bitterly disappointed that he must return to his fathers without the Utamu grubs that day, but neither Timon or Pumbaa show any signs of disappointment when Bunga arrives back at Hakuna Matata Falls. They explain to Bunga that only reason they shared the Utamu grubs was to celebrate their friendship. Much to Bunga's surprise, however, the grubs landed near them anyway and the trio is able to share a loving hug before diving into the grubs as Timon and Pumbaa had gotten them that year.
Bunga and the King

Timon and Pumbaa being devistated on losing their two children
The Lion Guard has sought out Timon's assistance in some underground caverns where they are searching for Bunga and Simba, and Pumbaa comes along. He and Timon are very distressed and worried about Bunga and Simba, and Pumbaa remarks on the cruelty of fate. Crying, he expresses the thought that they'll never get out of the caverns alive, and Ono points out that the entrance to the cave is visible. Kion tries to calm he and Timon down. Eventually, he and Timon compose themselves and they move through the caverns. Pumbaa tells Kion that he'll understand when he has kids of his own, or more specifically when a lost lion or honey badger wanders into his corner of the world. Suddenly, he hears the sound of Bunga and Simba's voices and is overjoyed.

Pumbaa united with Simba
The Imaginary Okapi

Pumbaa and Timon floating through the river near Lake Matope
“ | Yo, Timon and Pumbaa! Hakuna Matata! | ” |
Timon and Pumbaa are seen briefly during Life in the Pride Lands song. As Beshte passes by whilst giving Ajabu, a former backlander, a tour of the Pride Lands, Pumbaa is seen peacefully floating in the water with Timon resting on his stomach near Lake Matope as Beshte calls out for them as he gives the tour to the okapi, with Timon waving as Pumbaa continues to lay down.
The Trouble With Galagos
Pumbaa is mentioned when Laini and the galagos come rushing to the Lion Guard, despite being told to stay in Hakuna Matata Falls. Laini mentions hearing a noise which, to her, sounded like a raspberry. Bunga decides it was his dad Pumbaa, and once Laini mentions a terrible smell, Ono confirms it was Pumbaa. Beshte mentions that Pumbaa won't hurt the galagos, but she wishes to stay with the Guard regardless.
Beware the Zimwi
Timon and Pumbaa overhear Kion dismissing claims of the Zimwi being sighted. But Pumbaa is adamant that Timon is the only animal to ever survive an encounter with the being. Though it is soon revealed that it is actually his Ma's cousin's friend who knew an ox who told him that he ran into the Zimwi and got eaten.

"The Zimwi!"
Kion then questions how the ox could tell the tale if he was eaten by the Zimwi and Pumbaa marks it as a good question, turning to Timon who tells the cub that he'd have to ask the ox. Timon frightens the youngsters by telling them that there's nothing they can do, so Kion calls for the Guard to solve the mystery themselves, with Bunga eager to get going. Pumbaa cries softly, worried about how brave Bunga is. Later on, when Beshte is practicing his bellowing for the Bellow Fellows, Bunga mentions that he sounds just like his adoptive dad Pumbaa at one stage.
Never Roar Again

Bunga points out Pumbaa's painting
As he does, he points out a painting on the walls of The Lair of the Lion Guard that depicts Pumbaa and Timon, with Bunga dancing alongside them and mentions to respect his flatulence. Bunga later mentions that his parents considered Scar to be the worst lion in the world as Kion looks at a painting of Scar destroying his Lion Guard.
Rafiki's New Neighbors
Timon and Pumbaa are seen during Three of a Kind song sequence, seen relaxing at Hakuna Matata Falls, until Chama, Mzaha, and Furaha disturb them, jumping of their waterfall, leading to an overfill.
The Ukumbusho Tradition

Pumbaa impersonates Ma Tembo
Later that evening, Timon and Pumbaa sit with Makini as the celebration goes underway, but are startled when a hive of bees show up and cause the elephants to stampede away. They are last seen when after the Guard saves the elephants from the bumblebees and the Ukumbusho Tradition continues.
Timon and Pumbaa's Christmas

Pumbaa throws a gourd to Timon

Pumbaa during "Christmas in the Pride Lands"

Pumbaa tries to cheer up Timon
However, at the end of the performance, Timon breaks down and admits that Dandy Claws will never visit them, and Pumbaa explains how he will only come if you perform a special song known as The Twelve Ways of Christmas under the Christmas Tree on the morning of Christmas. And on top of that, everything from the song must also be present and perfect. Timon continues to cry on Dandy Claus visiting, and although Pumbaa and Bunga try to remind him of the gifts they bring him, it is not enough to satisfy the meerkat.

Pumbaa wandering around the Pride Lands

Pumbaa calls to Timon

Pumbaa as Dandy Claus

"The best Christmas ever!"
The Scorpion's Sting
Pumbaa is first mentioned by Bunga when he claims that Pumbaa and Timon were just as responsible for Scar's defeat than Simba, much to the guard and Makini's annoyance (if compared to the original The Lion King, Bunga's story isn't completely true due to sequence of events).

Timon and Pumbaa sobbing over Simba being stung
Pumbaa are then seen physically alongside Timon, the guard, and Makini during the Kumbuka Celebration. The party, however, is cut short when Sumu stings Simba, poisoning him and rendering him weak. Pumbaa and Timon rush to Simba's side and are later seen crying uncontrollably outside of Pride Rock (Which is a running gag of them), having no idea how bad Simba's condition is.
Later that evening, as the sun begins to set, Pumbaa and Timon are seen inside of Pride Rock with Nala, Kiara, and Rafiki, worried for Simba. Suddenly, Bunga and Fuli arrive with the gourd filled with volcanic ash needed to cure the king. Pumbaa catches Bunga after he falls from Fuli's back while the gourd lands in Rafiki's hand, allowing him to cure Simba, much to Pumbaa and Timon's relief.
Cave of Secrets
Pumbaa appears long with Timon and Simba, Pumbaa is on many paintings during Makini's song Wisdom on the Walls. The painting is Timon dancing his infamous hula to distract hyenas with Pumbaa being bait (those hyenas being Scar's minions in life).
The Fall of Mizimu Grove

Pumbaa and Timon sing their song
Following a grub past Big Springs with Timon, Pumbaa are seen briefly greets the Lion Guard before he and Timon resume their pursuit, all while humming a tune. When Kion asks the duo to perform a song at Mizimu Grove during Makini's Mpando Mpaya, they agree, hoping to spread joy to the herds.

"Anyone wanna see the big finish?"
Pumbaa and Timon later appear at Mizimu Grove, singing their Tujiinue song to the herds. Unfortunately, during the song, the Outlanders attack the grove. While the guard and Pride Landers fight off the intruders, and as fire slowly starts to consume the grove, Pumbaa and Timon continue singing their song, but once Scar appears in the flames, the duo quickly take cover in fright. After the Outlanders are blown away by Kion's roar, and the fire starts to fade away, Pumbaa and Timon reemerge in dust, with Pumbaa with Timon beside him asking if anyone wants to see the big finish to their number.
Pumbaa and Timon are later mentioned by Bunga when the herds gather at the now barren Mizimu Grove, with Bunga saying that Timon and Pumbaa at Hakuna Matata Falls, sleeping getting some beauty rest.
Battle for the Pride Lands
Timon and Pumbaa are seen alongside the other herds of the Pride Lands as they say goodbye to Bunga, Kion and the Lion Guard as they make their way to the Tree of Life due to Kion and Ono's injury.
Return to the Pride Lands

Timon, Bunga and Pumbaa's family reunion at Hakuna Matata Falls
Timon and Pumbaa are seen extremely excited to see Bunga back in the Pride Lands after the time apart, reuniting alongside Beshte and Basi. He is then seen as they go Hakuna Matata Falls, where they have a reunion.
Timon and Pumbaa are also present, with the duo watching during the competition against Vitani's Lion Guard and Kion's Lion Guard, and he and Timon are also present when Askari speaks to the Pride Landers and when the guard passing down from guard to guard and also when Kion finally masters his roar lifts up Pride Rock with them watching. He is then seen at the Tree of Life alongside the Pride landers as he watches Kion's wedding to Queen Rani and Kion's Coronation, seen next to Timon and Rafiki.
Family
- Adoptive nephew/ Best Friend
- Adoptive nephew
Songs
- Don't Make a Stink
- Bunga the Wise
- Make Way for Bunga the Wise
- Utamu
- Hakuna Matata
- Christmas in the Pride Lands
- The Twelve Ways of Christmas
- Tujiinue