JABARI (Swahili "brave")
Place of Birth: Atlas Mountains (Simba's generation)
Residence: Pride Lands
Role: M/A (Atlas Mountains); Leader/Fiercest of the Lion Guard (Pride Lands)
Parents: ??? (birth parents); Dakarai (foster father)
Siblings: ???;
Mate: Akiki
Cubs: Moto, Makali, Jua† (sons); Maisha (daughter)
Personality: Jabari's greatest attribute is undoubtedly his unwavering confidence and optimism; even in the era of the Shadowlands, under the tyrant king Scar, the black-hearted Lion King could not corrupt his ideals nor drive him to despair with his cruelty. In spite of having been abandoned to die as a cub, Jabari is someone who always tries to see the best in people where he can. This should not be mistaken for naivete however. Years of living under Scar's reign have also given him a sharp eye for deceit and a poker face that is difficult to crack when the situation calls for seriousness. As the Lord of his best friend Sima's Guard, he is patient with but also willing to push back against Simba's paranoia when it causes his judgment to waver. He is understanding of his best friend's traumas, however, and does his best to be supportive as the two juggle their duties. As a father, Jabari's guard crumbles without fail; he is doting on his cubs whenever he can, eager to teach them new skills or even games to enjoy, and loves nothing more than to spend time with his mate and cubs where his busy schedule allows him to.

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And here he is, at last! Makali and Moto's father (and Dakarai's adopted son), the leader of Simba's L ion Guard (in my headcanon) himself, Jabari1 A full-blooded Barbary lion (in adulthood, he easily dwarfs even Mufasa), hence his mane being as long as it is.

With special thanks to  lynxbrush once again for her fantastic work; she has a gift for bringing my characters to life that I immensely appreciate every time!