What is the baboon's name in "The Lion King"?

The baboon's name in "The Lion King" is Rafiki. He is the wise spiritual adviser of the Pride Lands who presents Simba to the animals at Pride Rock and later helps Simba understand his responsibility as Mufasa's heir.

Rafiki is more than a ceremonial character. After Simba runs away, Rafiki helps him reconnect with Mufasa's memory and realize that he cannot escape who he is. His guidance helps Simba return to the Pride Lands and challenge Scar. Rafiki also provides much of the film's comic energy through his eccentric behavior, staff, tree home, and memorable sayings.

A common animal-related mix-up is that Rafiki is usually described in the films and quizzes as a baboon, but his design is more specifically based on a mandrill, a colorful Old World monkey. He has the distinctive blue-and-red facial markings associated with mandrills, while his long tail and role are often associated with popular depictions of baboons. The name Rafiki means "friend" in Swahili.

Rafiki appears in the original 1994 animated film, the 2019 remake, the stage musical, and later stories in The Lion King franchise. Robert Guillaume voiced him in the original film, while John Kani voiced him in the 2019 adaptation.