Shira is Diego’s mate in the Ice Age film series.
Shira is a female saber-toothed cat introduced in Ice Age: Continental Drift. She begins as a member of Captain Gutt’s pirate crew and serves as his first mate. After Gutt’s cruelty becomes clear, Shira helps Diego and the others, eventually joining their wider group and developing a relationship with Diego.
Shira’s role mirrors Diego’s earlier movement from antagonist to trusted friend. Both characters are saber-toothed cats, but Shira is not a replacement for Diego; she becomes a separate character with her own pirate background and combat skills. Jennifer Lopez provides Shira’s voice in Continental Drift and Ice Age: Collision Course.
Shira is commonly confused with Ellie, who is Manny’s mate, or Brooke, a sloth who becomes Sid’s love interest. Shira remains associated with Diego and the saber-toothed-cat characters, while Manny and Ellie belong to the mammoth family.