Simba’s childhood friend who later becomes his mate is Nala. She grows up alongside Simba in the Pride Lands and eventually becomes his wife and queen after helping him return to confront Scar.
As cubs, Simba and Nala are adventurous playmates. Their trip to the Elephant Graveyard leads to an attack by Shenzi, Banzai, and Ed, but Mufasa rescues them. Years later, Nala believes Simba died in the wildebeest stampede and becomes increasingly alarmed by the devastation Scar’s rule causes.
Nala’s reunion with Simba in the jungle is a turning point. She recognizes him, challenges his refusal to return, and ultimately persuades him to reclaim his responsibility. The answer is not Kiara, who is Simba and Nala’s daughter, nor Sarafina, who is Nala’s mother. Sarabi is Simba’s mother.