Draft:Gloria (Madagascar character)

Gloria
Madagascar character
First appearance	Madagascar
Created by	Mark Burton Billy Frolick Eric Darnell Tom McGrath
Voiced by	Jada Pinkett Smith (adult) Willow Smith (child) Bettina Bush (video games) Shaylin Becton (A Little Wild)
Additional appearances	The Madagascar Penguins in a Christmas Caper (cameo) Merry Madagascar Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa Madly Madagascar Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted Penguins of Madagascar (background)
In-universe information
Nicknames	Glo (Marty) Mama (herself)
Species	Common hippopotamus
Gender	Female
Affiliation	Alex Marty Melman
Significant other	Melman (best friend-turned-boyfriend)
Origin	Africa
Status	Alive
Age	Young adulthood
Primordial resident	Central Park Zoo, New York
Resides in	Currently traveling with Circus Zaragoza

Gloria is a fictional character appearing in the American computer-animated media franchise owned and produced by DreamWorks Animation, Madagascar, voiced by Jada Pinkett Smith. in the films and TV specials. As an anthropomorphic giant hippopotamus, she is one of the main tritagonists in the franchise. She was formerly a resident of the Central Park Zoo, Gloria served as a popular attraction and formed strong bonds with her fellow zoo inhabitants, including Alex, Marty, and Melman. She became Melman's girlfriend as depicted in Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa

Appearances

Films and television

Madagascar (2005)

Main article: Madagascar (2005 film)

In the first film of the franchise, Gloria was another animal residing at the Central Park Zoo, where she served as one of the primary attractions, captivating audiences with her graceful swimming in the water tank. Renowned for her affable demeanor, Gloria often received star treatment as one of the zoo's main attractions and attend Marty’s birthday party. During Marty’s party, Gloria is seen with the others celebrating Marty the zebra’s tenth birthday. During Marty's party, he expressed his desire to experience life in the wild, prompting Gloria, along with Alex the lion and Melman the giraffe, to caution him about the harsh realities of the wilderness compared to the comforts of zoo life. Marty, feeling downcast, heads towards the treadmill. Gloria, concerned about his well-being, requests Alex to engage in a motivational conversation with Marty in order to uplift his spirits. However, Alex declines, citing that he has already gifted Marty a snow globe. Subsequently, Gloria resorts to a more forceful approach, threatening Alex with physical harm if he does not act according to her wishes by fulfilling her request to cheer up Marty. She emphasizes the significance of their friendship as a compelling reason for Alex to comply. Eventually, Alex acquiesces and succeeds in boosting Marty's mood. Nevertheless, despite their collective efforts to dissuade him, Marty remains resolute in his yearning for adventure.

Later that evening, Marty's longing for freedom led him to embark on a journey to Connecticut, where he believed he would find vast open spaces. Concerned for his safety, Gloria implored Alex and Melman to accompany her in pursuit of Marty, aiming to bring him back to the zoo before his absence was noticed by zookeepers. They proceed to the subway station, where her beforehand boyfriend Melman emerges from the men's restroom just before the arrival of the subway carrying the animals. The passengers on the subway react with fear and confusion as the animals board, but they continue their journey to Grand Central Station in pursuit of Marty, aiming to persuade him to return. However, their search proved futile as they, along with other zoo animals including Mason and Phil the chimpanzees, and a group of resourceful penguins, were apprehended and tranquilized by zoo personnel using tranquilizer darts as soon as they caught up to Marty in the Grand Central Station. Under pressure from animal-right activists, the zoo was forced to ship their escaped animals by sea to a wildlife preserve in Kenya. When they awoke, they found themselves trapped in crates bound for Africa. Amidst the confusion, Alex blamed Marty for the group’s predicament and attempted to signal for help to return to civilization. Despite Gloria's attempts to angrily calm the situation, Alex impulsively pushed Marty's crate off the boat's rear side. When the penguins commandeered the ship, causing it to tremble, the crates were jettisoned into the ocean and eventually landed on Madagascar's shores. Gloria was the third individual to reach the island, while Marty became the final animal to arrive. Following an incident where Alex held Marty responsible for the situation, Alex pursued him with the intention of confronting him physically. Acting as a mediator, Gloria intervened and prevented Alex from reprimanding Marty. In the midst of the ensuing chaos, they took it upon themselves to establish their own society, drawing the interest of a nearby lemur colony.

Upon hearing music emanating from the island, Gloria and her companions initially assumed it signaled the presence of people. However, upon closer inspection, they discovered a pack of lemurs led by King Julien XIII. Despite her initial assumption that they had stumbled upon another zoo, Gloria's attention quickly turned to the whereabouts of Alex, who was missing. Their concerns were interrupted by the lemurs' panicked cries about an imminent fossa attack. When Alex appeared and began blaming the group, he goes to the fossa about their situation. In the midst of their conversation, Gloria noticed a spider on Alex's shoulder and swiftly attempted to remove it with a stick. Alex's subsequent panic and screams inadvertently scared off the fossa. Despite her efforts, Gloria found herself hitting Alex with the stick a few times in her attempt to dislodge the spider. Eventually, the group spotted a small lemur emerging from the bushes. While Alex's attempts to greet the lemur initially frightened him, Gloria stepped in to reassure and comfort the young lemur, ultimately picking him up and offering him solace.

The lemurs emerged from their hiding spots, gathering together, and were welcomed by King Julien XIII and the rest of the lemur community. This reception was a token of gratitude for scaring away the fossa. Gloria becomes mondegreen when Julien says fossa the first time, supposing he said “whoosa”, Julien took this opportunity to enlighten them about their identity and purpose. As they introduced themselves, doubts began to surface regarding the presence of humans on the island. Julien answered that they do (referring to the deceased individuals), pointing out a chilling sight—a human skeleton entangled in a tree, they remarked that they only have perished humans on the island. This revelation left them shocked and horrified, prompting further inquiries about the existence of any living humans. Julien responded solemnly, explaining that if there were living people on the island, it would cease to be considered a wilderness. The gravity of this realization intensified their trauma and disbelief. Alex, overwhelmed by the situation, sought solace in solitude. He rushed towards the beach in a state of panic, with Gloria swiftly following to offer comfort and reassurance. Alex's desperation to return to the zoo, even if it meant swimming, was met with the sobering truth that he lacked the ability to do so. While Gloria consoled Alex, Melman encountered a mishap, getting a bush stuck on his head. Gloria promptly intervened, freeing him by stepping on the vine. In this moment, she began to suspect that there had been a misunderstanding, and the zoo had not intentionally sent them away. She assured her companions that once the zoo became aware of their predicament, they would be promptly rescued and returned.

Gloria finds herself beside Melman's grave as he reads his will, appointing her as the executor. Frustrated by Marty's actions and the ruined birthday celebration, Gloria and the group express their discontent. Alex intervenes by creating a boundary with a tree to separate Marty from the rest, aiming to prevent further disruptions. Together, Alex, Gloria, and Melman signal for assistance to return back to civilization. Meanwhile, Marty embraces the wilderness, with Gloria and Melman reluctantly following suit. Gloria greets Alex as Marty allows him into the hut, where they share a meal of seaweed before resting. While they sleep, the lemurs transport them back to Madagascar, welcoming them to the island with a stunning landscape reminiscent of Marty's mural at the zoo. Gloria marvels at the authenticity of their surroundings as Marty and Alex frolic in the new environment. Gloria receives special attention and pampering from the lemurs, while she and Melman observe Alex's impressive performance for the lemurs, including his powerful roar. When Alex unexpectedly bites Marty, Gloria rushes to protect her friend, puzzled by Maurice's explanation of Alex's predatory instincts driven by hunger. After King Julien banishes Alex to the other side of the island, Gloria and the group flee from him until a nearby ship prompts them to signal for help. They attempt to return to civilization, with Gloria clinging to Melman for safety as they call out for assistance. Gloria refused to leave Alex after they escaped him when he tried to eat them. The arrival of the ship leads Marty to bravely offer to rescue Alex, though Gloria remains wary of his potential danger. As the penguins inform them of the absence of humans and the perilous situation Marty is in, Gloria and Melman fear for his safety and rush to save him from the fossa. In a tense moment of self-defense, Gloria uses Melman's head to fend off the threatening predators. Alex's roar, combined with his strategic intimidation, successfully wards off the fossa, earning him respect and gratitude from the lemurs. Gloria attacks the three of the fossas by crushing them underneath her buttocks. Gloria joins the others in expressing relief and gratitude for their safety, as they prepare to leave the island on the ship. Lemurs continued shouting their goodbyes and waving, Alex's suggestion of additional stops in Spain or Paris since it’s going to be the middle of the winter in New York, the penguins reveal that the ship is low on fuel, leading to their departure without further delays.

The Madagascar Penguins in a Christmas Caper (2005)

Main article: The Madagascar Penguins in a Christmas Caper

Gloria makes a brief appearance alongside her friends during the Christmas celebration, joining in the rendition of Jingle Bells as the festivities draw to a close.

Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa (2008)

Main article: Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa

The penguins Skipper, Kowalski, Rico, and Private, along with the chimpanzees Mason and Phil, make preparations to return to New York on a weathered airplane under the penguins' command. They are accompanied by the lemurs King Julien, Maurice, Gloria, Alex, Melman, Marty, and Mort. During the journey back, Gloria expresses interest in participating in the zoo breeding program to find a partner. Upon crash landing in Africa, the animals find themselves at a watering hole within a nature reserve, where they encounter other members of their species. Gloria catches the attention of a hippo named Moto Moto, who expresses admiration for her size. Despite initially being drawn to Moto Moto, Gloria comes to realize that Melman appreciates her for her true self after Melman told Moto to treat her right. Following an encounter between Melman and Moto Moto, Gloria recognizes Melman's genuine feelings for her and reciprocates them.

The following day, the animals find themselves in a state of panic as the watering hole dries up. Gloria and Moto Moto dig a hole in search of water, only to discover more diamonds, rubies, and gold. King Julien proposes offering a sacrifice to a nearby volcano as a solution to restore the water supply. Melman, feeling despondent and convinced he is on the verge of death, volunteers to be the sacrificial offering. As the lions carry him towards the volcano, Gloria rushes to his side, questioning his decision. Melman reveals his love for Gloria and his belief that he is dying. In a dramatic turn of events, Gloria intervenes to halt the sacrifice, desperately trying to prevent King Julien from proceeding. She calls out Melman's name, and then falls causing a huge rupture in the rocks. Melman, gets scared as he almost falls towards the volcano, Gloria manages to grab hold of him and expresses her realization that true love was right beside her all along.

Together with the other animals, they join forces to rescue Alex and Zuba from Nana. The group, including Marty, Melman, Gloria, the penguins, and the chimpanzees, arrive in the nick of time to save the lions. In the chaos that ensues, Gloria, along with Melman, toke jurisdiction over the plane, which the aircraft inadvertently smashes a bucket containing the lions onto a dam where Nana is standing, thereby restoring the water source. As the events unfold, Gloria stands behind Skipper the penguin, who amusingly marries a bobblehead doll from the plane. Skipper, along with the other penguins and chimpanzees, sets off for a honeymoon in Monte Carlo. Meanwhile, Alex, Marty, Melman, Gloria, and the lemurs happily opt to remain on the reserve for a period of time. Ultimately, Gloria embarks on a romantic relationship with Melman, who discovers that he is not, in fact, facing imminent death.

Merry Madagascar (2009)

Main article: Merry Madagascar

Gloria demonstrates her willingness to contribute to her friends' efforts in saving Christmas, while Santa Claus is still on amnesia, maintaining her characteristic enthusiasm throughout the special. She readily assists Melman in navigating through various predicaments, showcasing her supportive nature. Additionally, Gloria's affection for children is evident, as evidenced by her warm response when a young girl named Abby embraces her and her friends, prompting Gloria to reciprocate the gesture with a heartfelt hug.

Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted (2012)

Main article: Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted

In Africa, Alex experiences a vivid dream of the penguins departing in their monkey-powered super plane for Monte Carlo, declaring they'll never return to Africa. In his dream, Alex sees Gloria using a walking aid, and all his friends, including himself, appear aged while waiting with illusions of New York. Meanwhile, Marty surprises Alex on his birthday, while Gloria and Melman plan a sculpture of New York City as a tribute. Gloria portrays the Statue of Liberty, with Melman posing as the Triboro Bridge. As they reminisce about their time at the Central Park Zoo, emotions run high. Gloria presents a birthday cake to Alex for his wish, but it explodes with King Julien and Mort inside. After Alex expresses his desire to return home, he convinces the group to swim to Monte Carlo to reunite with the penguins and find their way back to New York.

Gloria, Alex, Marty, Melman, King Julien, Maurice, and Mort decide to locate the penguins and return to their home at the Central Park Zoo in New York City. They arrive at the Monte Carlo port, and they find the penguins and chimpanzees at the Monte Carlo Casino, where the penguins and chimpanzees, Mason and Phil, are disguised as the King of Versailles, accumulating a fortune with their gambles. The animals ascend to the rooftop of the hotel, opting to access the interior through a ventilation duct. However, they all fall except Gloria, who becomes lodged in her duct, narrowly avoiding colliding with her companions who plummet to the ground. Alex uses his claws to cut thru in the dome, enabling Marty to safely remove the glass barrier. They plan to have the lemurs cut the power, descend, snatch the penguins, and convince them to return. However, a heated argument ensues between Alex and Marty, with Gloria trying to stop them from scolding each other by claiming to get the lead of the plan until her movement causes the glass to shatter. Amidst the chaos and mounting fear, Gloria and her companions frantically search for the lemurs, who are preoccupied with playing with the electrical systems. As they endeavor to flee, they encounter resistance when the authorities initiate a lockdown procedure. Despite Gloria's valiant effort to breach the metal door, her attempt proves futile, leaving her disoriented. However, their predicament takes a fortuitous turn when a vehicle crashes through the doors, providing the animals with a means of escape. Nevertheless, their respite is short-lived as DuBois and her cohorts pursue them relentlessly. A high-speed chase ensues between DuBois and the animals in a modified van driven by the penguins to reach their aircraft. Despite DuBois's determination, the animals narrowly escape and are rescued by the chimpanzees in a coordinated plan.

In the skies of France, the plane's gear assembly sustains severe damage, causing a complete loss of power, leading to a crash landing in a suburban rail yard. As authorities close in, most of the chimpanzees retreat. Realizing their only chance of escape lies with a circus locomotive, the four Zoosters claim to be circus animals themselves, with Gloria and Alex convincingly playing their parts. Despite Vitaly the tiger's objections, circus friends Stefano the sea lion and Gia the jaguar allow them aboard. Stefano reveals that the circus is performing in Rome and London, aiming to impress a promoter for their first American tour. Stefano engages in conversation with the group, inquiring about their roles within the "circus," but their discussion is abruptly halted by Vitaly, who nearly threatens them with a stabbing. Before the zoo animals' ruse is exposed, the penguins intervene, purchasing the circus and leaving it without a human crew. With the four Zoosters, two chimpanzees, and penguins now owning the circus, they depart for London. However, their performance in Italy proves disastrous, barely escaping as agitators pursue their departing locomotive, Gloria observes with dismay and disbelief as the circus's performance unfolds, witnessing an unfortunate incident involving an elephant inadvertently ingesting a child and Stefano's failed attempt at juggling. In the aftermath of the incident, amidst the growing discontent among the audience demanding refunds, Gloria and her companions swiftly make their way to the train, seeking to escape. En route to London, the Zoosters despair over their wasted investment in the failing circus and the distance from their goal of returning home, Alex disappears with Gloria questioning his whereabouts. When they realize that the circus is faltering due to Vitaly losing his confidence, Gloria and her friends take immediate action to salvage the show and secure the contract. This involves refining existing acts and devising new ones. Gloria suggests a dancing routine with Melman, but he lacks confidence in his dancing abilities. Through a pep talk and a lesson on a tightrope, the couple eventually find their rhythm, performing a daring dance routine while balancing precariously. This act proves instrumental in securing the circus the coveted contract. However, their success is short-lived as they are exposed as zoo animals, prompting feelings of guilt. They decide to leave the circus and head back to New York.

Following the rehearsal, Gloria, Marty, and Melman prepared themselves for their upcoming performance. As the show drew near, Gloria stood alongside Alex, her eyes fixed on Vitaly's daring feat, hoping for his success, which he achieved admirably. During the performance, Melman and Gloria showcased their synchronized dance amidst the intricately woven strings. Following the successful execution of their act, they secured a lucrative contract for performances in America. Overwhelmed with joy, Gloria jubilantly kissed Melman while dancing and cheering. Later, as they journeyed back to the zoo, the trio joyously sang New York, New York, reveling in the prospect of returning home. Following the impressed promoter's arrangement for an American tour, DuBois appears with documentation indicating Alex's absence. Despite the penguins' successful thwarting of DuBois, Alex, Gloria and Melman are compelled to admit that they are merely zoo animals seeking to return home. This revelation disappoints others, who feel misled and betrayed by the group, perceiving them as deceitful amateurs whose actions could have endangered their lives while devising and executing their new acts.

Upon their arrival in New York City, both the remorseful Zoosters and the circus find themselves at the gates of the closed Central Park Zoo. As they gaze upon their small enclosures, they come to the realization that their experiences traveling and exploring have transformed them too greatly to simply return to captivity; the zoo no longer feels like home. Subsequently, Marty offers an apology for his departure from the original Madagascar zoo, but the group collectively acknowledges that Marty leaving was a pivotal moment in their adventure. They conclude that returning to the circus might be a more suitable option. Unfortunately, their plans are interrupted when they are tranquilized and ambushed by DuBois and her associates. During the time when they were still unconscious, the zoo staff, pleased by the group's reappearance, express gratitude to DuBois, mistakenly believing that she was attempting to return the missing animals. Julien narrowly makes it to the circus tranquilized, and Skipper, upon discovering the tranquilizer dart, informs the group of the ambush at the zoo.

The group awaken to find themselves in their enclosures and discover that the zoo has undergone significant changes, much to their disappointment. Gloria is particularly disheartened to find a large barrier separating her from Melman's enclosure, surrounded by imposing chain-link fences with barbed wires, erected to prevent their escape. As tensions escalate, DuBois, determined to exact revenge, attempts to eliminate Alex with a toxic dart concealed in a pistol. Thankfully, Gia and Vitaly rally the circus animals to mount a rescue mission for their former friends, performing aboard a flying circus, with the operation dubbed "Operation: Afro Circus Rescue”, which the circus animals intervene, engaging in a chaotic brawl to thwart DuBois's sinister plans. The other circus animals get Marty and Alex out of their cells, while Gloria and Melman were the only ones who freed themselves out of their enclosures, and then hoofing through a string. Amidst the chaos, Gloria witnesses DuBois's ruthless actions, including an attempt to decapitate Stefano. Alex heroically orchestrates a rescue, with Mort ultimately incapacitating DuBois with a tranquilizer dart. Following these harrowing events, the group resolves to join the circus permanently, including Gloria and Melman who are incredibly delighted about traveling around the world together.

Madly Madagascar (2013)

Main article: Madly Madagascar

On her first Valentine's Day with Melman, Gloria is filled with anticipation and excitement. However, she becomes puzzled and slightly anxious when she realizes Melman is preoccupied with planning a surprise for her. Throughout the day, Gloria grapples with various questions, including whether Melman is deliberately avoiding her and where he might be. Spotting Melman later, Gloria misinterprets his actions as indicating he intends to break up with her on Valentine's Day. However, her concerns are alleviated when she discovers Melman's heartfelt list of preparations for her surprise. In a heartfelt moment, Gloria expresses to Melman that all she truly desired was reassurance that he was thinking of her.

Penguins of Madagascar: The Movie

Main article: Penguins of Madagascar

Gloria appears only for a few moments, dancing with the other Zoosters to Afro Circus/I Like to Move It, she, and the others, are singing the song with King Julien.

Reception

Gloria has garnered significant attention and reception from audiences and critics alike. Voiced by Jada Pinkett Smith, Gloria has been praised for her warm personality, humor, and loyalty to her friends. Audiences appreciate her role as a strong and supportive character within the group, often providing wisdom and guidance during their adventures. Critics have lauded Gloria's character development throughout the series, noting her growth from a zoo attraction to a confident and independent individual. Additionally, Gloria's interactions with other characters, particularly her relationship with Melman and her dynamic with Alex, Marty, and the penguins, have been highlighted as highlights of the franchise. Overall, Gloria's presence adds depth and heart to the "Madagascar" films, contributing to their enduring popularity among viewers of all ages.

References

This page will be placed in the following categories if it is moved to the article namespace.

Categories:

• Female characters in animated films
• Fictional characters
• Animated characters in film
• Animated characters introduced in 2005
• Madagascar (franchise)
• Film characters by franchise
• Film characters introduced in 2005
• Hippopotamuses