Abilene Zoo warthogs featured in ‘Mufasa: The Lion King’

ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) – As you settle into your seat at the movie theater, the lights dim, and “Mufasa: The Lion King” begins. The anticipation builds, but if you listen closely to certain scenes, you’ll hear the unmistakable grunts and snorts of warthogs. Those sounds come courtesy of none other than Bruce and Gibbs, two residents of the Abilene Zoo!

“This movie also features real animal sounds recorded across Florida, Tennessee, and Texas—highlighting the importance of animals in storytelling and conservation,” the zoo shared. “Fun fact: Bruce might’ve accidentally taken out two microphones during recording!”

The Abilene Zoo made this exciting announcement following the film’s release on December 20. Watson Wu, an animal sound designer, captured the distinctive warthog noises of Bruce and Gibbs right here in West Texas.