Babar and the Adventures of Badou

Babar and the Adventures of Badou
Company type	Animated television series
Industry	Entertainment, Children's animation
Founded	2010; 16 years ago
Founder	Nelvana, TeamTO, LuxAnimation, TF1, Playhouse Disney France/The Walt Disney Company France
Headquarters	International (Canada, France)
Area served	Worldwide
Products	Children's animated television series

Babar and the Adventures of Badou is a children's animated series that premiered in 2010, inspired by the original Babar the Elephant stories created by Jean de Brunhoff and Laurent de Brunhoff. Positioned several years after the initial series, it introduces fresh characters, most notably Badou, Babar's 8-year-old grandson who serves as the main character. The production is a collaboration between Nelvana, TeamTO, and LuxAnimation, alongside partners TF1 and Playhouse Disney France/The Walt Disney Company France. Across three seasons, the show produced a total of 65 episodes.

The series first aired on September 6, 2010, debuting in Australia on ABC2, followed by Latin America through Discovery Kids on September 27. It then premiered in France on the TFOU block of TF1 on November 8 and later in Canada on YTV beginning November 22. Colin Bohm, Vice President and Managing Director at Nelvana Enterprises and Jumbo Pictures, emphasized Nelvana’s approach to revitalizing Babar with a new 3D animation style and an expansive licensing campaign via TF1. The show was also introduced to U.S. audiences on Playhouse Disney.

Following its initial success, the series was renewed for a second season that started airing on Disney Junior from March 25, 2013. The third and concluding season was produced in 2014 and broadcast through January 2, 2015.

Overview

The narrative centers around Badou, Babar's adventurous 8-year-old grandson, who, together with his friends and family, unravels mysteries and solves puzzles within Celesteville—a city now home to a diverse range of animal inhabitants beyond elephants. While new characters are introduced, beloved originals such as Babar, Celeste, and Lord Rataxes remain integral to the storyline.

Student Characters

Badou (voiced by Dallas Jokic and Drew Adkins) is the young elephant prince of Celesteville. Bold and self-assured, he aims to honor the legacy of his grandfather Babar.
Chiku (voiced by Samantha Weinstein) is an inventive and agile monkey known for her curiosity. She often creates gadgets and is skilled in dance.
Munroe (voiced by Tyler Stevenson) is a courageous crested porcupine aspiring to join the Royal Guard. Despite his stature, he is athletic and studies Quill-Fu martial arts under his mentor Jabbsi while participating in the Junior Royal Cadets.
Zawadi (voiced by Isabel deCarteret) is a determined zebra eager to distinguish herself from her herd. Sharing King Babar’s enthusiasm for flowers and gardening, she pursues her passions wholeheartedly.
Jake (voiced by Noah Lehman and Gage Munroe) is a scruffy fox pup aged five who was orphaned in the wild. Welcomed by Celesteville’s community, he has become friends with Badou; Cornelius acts as his guardian.

Supporting Characters

Miss Strich (voiced by Catherine Disher) is an ostrich who functions as a teacher, palace guide, and event coordinator in Celesteville. Enthusiastic but easily influenced by Badou and his companions, she sometimes learns new skills such as tennis or baking from them.
Crocodylus (voiced by Benedict Campbell) is an ambassador crocodile from the Crocodile kingdom and uncle to Tersh and Dilash. Known for scheming, he frequently attempts to seize control of Celesteville or win competitions through deceitful means.
Dilash (voiced by Lyon Smith) is Crocodylus’ mean-spirited young nephew who resides in Celesteville alongside his cousin Tersh. He often stirs up trouble while supporting his uncle’s plots.
Tersh (voiced by Sergio Di Zio) is Dilash’s more gentle yet naive cousin who reluctantly aids in schemes but also develops friendships with Badou and others. Despite limited intellect, he deeply values his family.
Boss of the Slogs leads the swamps of the Crocodile kingdom as their matriarch. Unlike Crocodylus, she governs fairly and kindly, protected by elite guards known as the Brawlers.
Gallop (voiced by Leslie Carlson) is an elderly tortoise residing near Celesteville known for his wisdom.
Dandy Andi (voiced by Scott McCord) reigns as a wild lion king of the adjacent savanna. Well-known among local animals, he maintains friendly relations with Badou’s group but seldom visits Celesteville due to his untamed lifestyle.
Hannah, Ramsey & Skyla (all voiced by Julie Lemieux) are wild lionesses allied with Dandy Andi. They raised Jake during his youth and later reunite with him during an adventure. Attending Jake’s palace birthday celebration, they find palace tile floors challenging but assist Cornelius in investigating Jake’s background.
Deb Mouse is a compassionate mouse living in the palace alongside her children.
Lulu is Badou’s energetic little cousin who admires him greatly. She owns a giraffe doll named Jenna Giraffe and bears resemblance to Isabelle from Babar’s family.
Rhudi (voiced by Samantha Reynolds) is a rhinoceros prince from Rhinoland and grandchild of Lord and Lady Rataxes. He shares a rivalry with Badou reminiscent of that between their grandfathers.
Captain Darling is a friendly crocodile sailor frequently seen at Celesteville’s docks.
Marabou Mail serves as Celesteville’s marabou stork mail carrier.
Mr. Handy Hippo is a hippopotamus resident within Celesteville.
Hoot (voiced by Tajja Isen) is an amiable wild spotted hyena from the savanna who befriends Dandy Andi. A practical joker with tastes similar to Jake’s, she supports Badou and Jake on their journeys while admiring both Dandy Andi and King Babar.
Professor Rozeekeewhack (voiced by Ellen-Ray Hennessy) is an intelligent yet clumsy giraffe scientist operating a mobile lab called the Blimp-Lab equipped with advanced devices such as a vacuum nasal used for retrieving objects.
Jabbsi is a legendary crested porcupine martial arts master who once mentored Babar. After assisting Badou and Munroe in overcoming foes during their search for the Needle Noggin helmet, he becomes Munroe’s Quill-Fu instructor.
Heropotamus (voiced by Dwayne Hill) is an archaeologist hippopotamus who affectionately calls Badou "pup."
Queen Cleo was once queen of an ancient elephant tribe now lost; artifacts from her era are displayed within the palace. Descendants of her tribe include members of Babar’s family as well as those from the Green Elephant tribe. Shared cultural elements like songs indicate Queen Cleo’s enduring legacy among both groups.
Ayla (voiced by Nissae Isen) serves as princess of the Green Elephant Tribe. She is King Grank’s daughter, sister to Candeen, and descendant of Queen Cleo.
King Grank rules over the Green Elephant Tribe located in Hidden Valley. Initially cautious toward outsiders such as Babar, Badou, and Munroe, he befriends them after they aid in rescuing his daughter Ayla. He reveals that Hidden Valley was once a sanctuary during Queen Cleo’s reign and vows to maintain its secrecy until his people are ready for wider contact.
Candeen holds the title of prince within the Green Elephant Tribe; he is Ayla’s brother, King Grank’s son, and also descended from Queen Cleo.
Warden Widebottom works as a hippopotamus ranger stationed near Celesteville.
Mr. Chef Hippo specializes as a hippopotamus culinary expert focusing on diverse dishes.
Candy Cook operates as a hippopotamus chef running Celesteville's candy shop.
Avery O'Dare is a condor pilot who flies an aircraft named "wing-a-dinger."

Villains

Sleek (voiced by Molly Johnson) is a fierce black leopard who persistently hunts the civilized creatures of Celesteville, whom she disparagingly calls "tame towners".
Tiger Snakes are striped reptiles inhabiting the Hidden Valley jungle. In the episode "Ayla," two of them launch an attack on King Grank and Candeen but are ultimately caught by Badou and his friends using a clever strategy borrowed from the green elephant tribe.
Kylus (voiced by Dan Chameroy) is a rebellious lion and adversary of Dandy Andi, frequently labeling Badou’s group as "tame towners".
Squeeze is a massive rock python native to Central Africa, dwelling within the jungle.
Wisdom Toad is a legendary amphibian believed to possess all-encompassing knowledge.
Spider Queen is an ancient, intelligent giant spider residing inside a cavern.
Prospero (voiced by Dan Chameroy) is an outlaw cape buffalo pirate engaged in illegal ventures for monetary gain. He converses with his snake-shaped walking stick named Sly and refers to Badou as "boyoo".
Captain Blacktrunk stands as the most infamous elephant pirate, commanding a band of ruthless marauders.
Snaggle-Eye Jack is a crocodile pirate allied with Monkey Mate.
Monkey Mate (voiced by Richard Binsley) serves as a monkey pirate under the command of Snaggle-Eye Jack.
Two-Toes Trent, a hippopotamus pirate, operates under Captain Blacktrunk’s leadership.
Rhino Rover, a rhinoceros pirate, collaborates with Blacktrunk and Zork the Zebrateer.
Zork the Zebrateer is a zebra pirate working alongside Blacktrunk and Rhino Rover.
Mr. Floody (voiced by Richard Binsley) is a hippopotamus merchant in Celesteville who eventually adopts a villainous role.
Yaw & Shani (both voiced by Richard Binsley) are mischievous wild spotted hyenas featured in the episode "Savannah Surfing".

Original characters

King Babar (voiced by Gordon Pinsent) reigns over Celesteville as its monarch. He is Pom’s father and Badou’s grandfather. Known affectionately as "Papi" by Badou, he experienced the loss of his mother to hunters during his youth.
Queen Celeste (voiced by Dawn Greenhalgh) is Babar’s consort and the namesake of Celesteville. She is mother to Pom and grandmother to Badou, who calls her "Nana".
Cornelius (voiced by Chris Wiggins) acts as chief advisor and Prime Minister. Once an army medic, he provides medical support during emergencies and serves as guardian to the orphaned kit Jake while investigating Jake’s background.
Pom (voiced by Dan Lett) is the eldest son of Babar and Celeste, father of Badou, husband to Periwinkle, and holds the roles of Celesteville’s architect and health and safety officer.
Periwinkle (voiced by Molly Johnson) is Badou’s mother, working as the city doctor and pursuing metal sculpture as a hobby.
Zephir (voiced by Jeff Pustil) is a close companion of Babar and father to Chiku.
The Celesteville Royal Guards are responsible for protecting both the city and its royal family. Primarily composed of elephants, they instill fear in criminals such as Prospero and Blacktrunk. Munroe trains as a Junior Royal Cadet aspiring to join their ranks.
General Huc (voiced by Aron Tager), representing Monkeyville, is Zephir’s father-in-law and Chiku’s grandfather; he reveals unexpected rapping talent in the episode "Monkey Idol".
Lord Rataxes (voiced by Adrian Truss) governs Rhinoland. He is Victor’s father and Rhudi’s grandfather; often authoritative but tempered by his wife when angered.
Lady Rataxes (voiced by Jayne Eastwood) fiercely protects Rhudi and exhibits a more bitter demeanor compared to her gentler portrayal in the original series.

Broadcast

Babar and the Adventures of Badou made its worldwide debut on September 6, 2010. The show first appeared on ABC in Australia and on YTV in Canada starting November 22, before transitioning to Treehouse TV. In the United States, the series was acquired by Disney Junior and later broadcast on Qubo from 2019 to 2021. Additional international broadcasts included M-net in South Africa, as well as CITV and Tiny Pop in the United Kingdom. The program also premiered on Carousel in Russia, Spacetoon across the Middle East, and Frisbee in Italy.