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Zafari
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Zafari
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Zafari
Genre
Created byDavid Dozoretz
Directed byDavid Dozoretz
Voices of
ComposerRahman Altin
Country of originCanada
Original languageEnglish
No. of seasons2
No. of episodes52
Production
Executive producers
  • Kinga Grabinski
  • David Dozoretz
  • Jan-Fryderyk Pleszczynski
Running time11 minutes
Production companyZafari Holdings
Original release
NetworkFrance Televisions[1]
TiJi
ReleaseFebruary 5, 2018 (2018-02-05) –
present

Zafari (stylized as ZAFARI) is an animated children's television series created by David Dozoretz[2][3] and executive produced by Claus Tomming. Zafari premiered in July 2018 on FranceTV, NatGeoKids in Latin America, Rai Yoyo in Italy, Sony's TinyPOP network in the UK, in 2019 on Spacetoon in the Arab Countries, and is being distributed worldwide by NBCUniversal/DreamWorks.[4][5] It is also airing on Amazon Prime Video worldwide and was a launch title on NBCUniversal's new streaming network Peacock.[6]

Premise

[edit]

Every once in a while, Mother Nature creates animals that are born different. In Zafari, one of them, a young African bush elephant named Zoomba who is magically born with zebra stripes, is shunned from his herd as they feel he's bad luck. He goes to live with other one-of-a-kind animals in a valley at the base of Mt. Kilimanjaro. There, Zoomba learns he is perfect just the way he is, a lesson that he will eventually take back to his herd and the rest of the world.

Set in a valley at the base of Mount Kilimanjaro, the series follows the story of Zoomba, a young elephant with zebra stripes, and Quincy, a place intelligent tarsier who is often misclassified as a monkey, Pokey, a giraffe with peacock feathers, Babatua, a mandrill with penguin feathers, Antonio, a pink flamingo-colored lion, and dozens more. Zafari teaches kids that our differences should not just be tolerated, but celebrated. Zafari stars the voices of Mark Camacho, Holly Gauthier-Frankel, Brian Froud.

Zafari is the first television show created in a real-time game engine, Epic's Unreal 4.[7][8]

Cast

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Main

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References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Zafari

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Zafari (stylized as ZAFARI) is a Canadian computer-animated created by David Dozoretz and produced by the Montreal-based studio Digital Dimension. The series, distributed worldwide by , premiered in 2018 and consists of two seasons comprising 52 eleven-minute episodes. Set in a lush at the base of , the show centers on Zoomba, a young magically born with zebra stripes, who is shunned by his herd as a symbol of bad luck and relocates to a of similarly extraordinary animals, including a with pink flamingo feathers and a with peacock spots. Through their adventures, the characters navigate challenges that highlight themes of , diversity, belonging, and , teaching young viewers to celebrate what makes them unique. Notable for its innovative production, Zafari was the first animated television series to be rendered entirely using ' , enabling efficient real-time rendering and high-quality visuals. The series has aired internationally on networks such as , in , and in the , earning a 6.7/10 rating on based on viewer reviews.

Premise and characters

Premise

Zafari is an animated centered on the adventures of Zoomba, a young born with distinctive zebra stripes, who is initially shunned by his herd as a symbol of bad luck. Relocating to a hidden valley at the base of , Zoomba discovers a vibrant community of animals that, like him, possess unique mixed traits resulting from Mother Nature's whimsical creations. This secret sanctuary serves as a magical, diverse ecosystem where these one-of-a-kind creatures thrive together, free from judgment. The series emphasizes profound thematic elements tailored for young audiences, including the celebration of individual differences, the power of , and the journey toward . Through Zoomba's experiences alongside his companions—such as a with flamingo and a adorned with peacock feathers—the narrative explores how embracing uniqueness fosters belonging and personal growth. These animal adventures highlight moral lessons in a lighthearted manner, encouraging viewers to value diversity in themselves and others. Episodes are structured as standalone 11-minute stories, each focusing on fun explorations and challenges that promote and imaginative play within the valley's enchanting environment. This format allows for self-contained tales that reinforce the core message of acceptance without relying on overarching serialization.

Main characters

Zoomba serves as the of the series, depicted as a young born with distinctive zebra stripes, which sets him apart from his herd and leads to initial exclusion. His curious and optimistic nature drives him to explore the world around him, positioning him as the group's natural leader who fosters friendships and overcomes challenges through perseverance and empathy. Quincy, Zoomba's closest companion, is a tarsier monkey known for his cheeky, fun-loving, and prankster personality. As a small from , he adds humor and energy to the group with his silly antics and playful spirit. Antonio is a featuring pink flamingo plumage on his , blending the of a with vibrant, unexpected feathers. As the brave yet occasionally reckless protector of the group, he provides physical strength and bold initiative during adventures, often charging ahead to safeguard his friends despite his impulsive tendencies. Pokey is a adorned with peacock feathers and a tail, giving her an elegant yet unconventional appearance that highlights her flamboyant and loveable nature. Quirky and humorous, she frequently entertains the group with her antics, contributing to their lighthearted endeavors. Colette is a spider monkey equipped with parrot feathers, embodying a colorful and energetic contrast through her adventurous inclinations. Playful and social, she engages in group activities with enthusiasm, using her agility to aid in explorations and fun. Together, these characters inhabit the valley, where their diverse traits and contrasting personalities—Zoomba's optimism, Quincy's playfulness, Antonio's bravery, Pokey's flamboyance, and 's energy—complement one another, enabling collaborative problem-solving and reinforcing the series' emphasis on unity amid differences during their shared adventures.

Production

Development

Zafari was conceived by David Dozoretz, an animation veteran with credits including work on Star Wars visual effects, who envisioned a children's series that celebrates diversity through anthropomorphic animals featuring hybrid traits drawn from various species in nature. The concept originated from Dozoretz's ambition to innovate in children's animation by producing a real-time rendered series, leveraging game engine technology to streamline workflows and cut costs compared to traditional CG pipelines. Development gained momentum with its announcement at the 2017 MIPJunior market, following an initial pitch in 2014, as the team secured a multi-million euro budget to support the 52-episode order. Produced by Zafari Holdings, the project involved early collaboration with Digital Dimension in Montreal for layout and animation testing, enabling rapid iteration on the innovative rendering approach. Key executive producers included David Dozoretz, Claus Tomming of INK Group, Kinga Grabinski, and Jan-Fryderyk Pleszczynski, who oversaw the pre-production phase amid challenges such as finalizing international funding partnerships and adapting the for broadcast television standards.

Animation techniques

Zafari marked a pioneering advancement in animated television production as the first series entirely rendered using , a real-time typically employed in video games. This approach enabled rapid iteration by allowing animators to view changes instantly without waiting for lengthy offline renders, significantly accelerating the creative process compared to traditional CGI pipelines. The production pipeline for Zafari's 52 episodes, each approximately 11 minutes long, was optimized for efficiency through this real-time methodology. Layout phases were completed in one week per episode, followed by two weeks for animation—primarily handled in Maya before import into —and one week for final rendering and lighting. Rendering occurred at about three frames per second, with full episode outputs taking three to four hours, allowing the entire season to be produced in a streamlined timeframe that would have been infeasible with conventional frame-by-frame techniques. Visually, Zafari features vibrant, realistic depictions of African wildlife infused with magical hybrid traits, set against dynamic environments inspired by the valley at the base of . The real-time rendering in facilitated complex elements like , for animal fur and skin, and simulated water effects, creating immersive, lush jungle scenes with fluid camera movements that enhanced the sense of a living, magical world. To support this innovative workflow, the production integrated , a production management tool, for asset tracking and collaboration, which helped streamline data flow between Maya modeling and rendering stages. This focus on high-quality CGI via real-time processes eliminated the need for traditional offline rendering farms, reducing costs while maintaining broadcast standards.

Voice cast

Primary voice actors

Holly Gauthier-Frankel voices Zoomba, the young with zebra stripes, delivering a warm and enthusiastic performance that captures the character's optimistic and helpful nature. Brian Froud provides the voice for Quincy, the inventive , with a quirky and energetic style that emphasizes the character's clever problem-solving and curiosity; Froud also voices , the with flamingo feathers. Terrence Scammell lends his talents to , the giraffe with a peacock's tail, contributing a humorous and laid-back vocal tone suitable for the character's tall, flamboyant demeanor. Mark Camacho voices , the supportive , bringing bold and affable energy to the role of the loyal friend in the group. The primary voice cast consists mainly of experienced Canadian actors, many based in , reflecting the series' production hub in . Recording took place with an emphasis on expressive, animal-inspired inflections to immerse young viewers in the hybrid animal world, allowing the performances to highlight emotional depth and relational dynamics. These choices effectively support Zafari's themes of and diversity, making complex ideas accessible and engaging for children.

Additional voices

The supporting voice cast in Zafari features a talented ensemble that populates the vibrant valley with secondary animal characters, enriching the narrative through their portrayals of unique, one-of-a-kind inhabitants. Angela Galuppo lends her voice to multiple roles, including Colette the spider monkey with parrot feathers, Frick the kangaroo, and Lulu the mustang with butterfly markings, helping to depict the communal dynamics among the diverse animal group. Cindy Davis voices Renalda, a black rhinoceros with mandrill fur, as well as Xiang, one of the panda twins, adding layers to the valley's eclectic community. Rick Jones voices Frack, the koala companion to Frick. Notable guest appearances further enhance the series' emphasis on inclusivity and global perspectives. Business executive guest-stars as Mellody, a mustang horse with butterfly markings, in the episode "Color Brave," where her character embodies themes of and diversity. This casting choice aligns with the production's focus on multicultural representation to mirror the show's message of celebrating differences among its animal protagonists. Voice recording for Zafari incorporated group sessions to capture the interactive and lively exchanges in ensemble scenes, allowing to improvise and build the communal energy of the valley inhabitants.

Episodes

Series overview

Zafari is an animated comprising 52 episodes across two seasons, with each episode lasting 11 minutes. The series employs an episodic format featuring standalone adventures that incorporate loose serialization, centering on problem-solving scenarios and moral lessons drawn from the characters' interactions in their unique valley community. The narrative structure unfolds across its seasons with distinct arcs: Season 1 primarily introduces the diverse inhabitants of the Zafari valley and follows Zoomba's journey of integration into this accepting environment after being shunned by his original herd. Season 2 builds on this foundation by delving into more profound challenges faced by the characters, emphasizing personal growth and the broader application of lessons learned in the valley. Throughout the series, episodes maintain a consistent emphasis on diversity and , while exploring varying sub-themes such as , , and environmental awareness through partnerships like that with the World Wildlife Fund. These elements reinforce the core message that differences contribute positively to community dynamics and individual strengths.

Season structure

Zafari consists of two seasons, each comprising 26 episodes, resulting in a total of 52 episodes across the series. Season 1, released in 2018, centers on the arrival of the Zoomba, a young born with zebra stripes who is initially shunned by his herd and seeks belonging in the Zafari valley. The season explores initial friendships among the unique animal characters, emphasizing themes of and through activities such as races that highlight teamwork and inventions that foster collaboration and creativity. Episodes involving exploratory adventures introduce the world of Zafari and encourage discovery, while competitive storylines underscore lessons in inclusivity and mutual support without favoring physical prowess over emotional bonds. Season 2, airing in , builds on the established group by introducing external challenges that test the Zafarians' unity, such as environmental obstacles or inter-group conflicts, while delving deeper into individual character arcs focused on personal growth. Themes of and resilience come to the forefront as characters like Zoomba step into guiding roles, navigating threats that require collective problem-solving and emotional fortitude. Representative episodes advance these dynamics through narratives of overcoming adversity, promoting resilience as a core value in maintaining the valley's harmonious community. The even division of 26 episodes per season supports balanced storytelling, enabling gradual character development across multi-episode arcs that progressively build from foundational relationships in Season 1 to more complex interpersonal and external conflicts in Season 2, ensuring thematic consistency in celebrating and .

Release and broadcast

Premiere

Zafari premiered in July 2018 on France Télévisions. The series later aired on the children's channel TiJi starting in September 2018. Season 1, consisting of 26 eleven-minute episodes, aired weekly in 2018. From its launch, the series was available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video worldwide. It later became a launch title on NBCUniversal's Peacock streaming service upon the platform's debut in 2020. It was available on Peacock from the platform's 2020 debut. Early market promotions included screenings at MIPJunior 2017, where the series garnered significant attention as one of the most-watched shows at the event.

International distribution

Following its initial launches, Zafari expanded internationally through broadcasting deals secured by NBCUniversal. The series premiered in 2018 on National Geographic Kids in Latin America. In Italy, the series aired on Rai Yoyo starting in June 2019, marking a key entry into the European market for preschool audiences. In the United Kingdom, it was broadcast on Tiny Pop, Sony's dedicated children's network, providing access to UK viewers shortly after the European rollout. In the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, Spacetoon TV premiered the series in early 2019, becoming the first dedicated children's channel in the area to feature the show on Sundays and Tuesdays. The second season rolled out internationally in 2019, broadening the series' reach with additional episodes distributed via NBCUniversal's global network. By 2020, expansions included further penetration into , supported by regional licensing and broadcasting agreements that emphasized the show's themes of and diversity. Zafari is available for streaming on worldwide, offering on-demand access to both seasons. To facilitate global appeal, the series has been localized with dubbed versions in multiple languages, including Spanish for Latin American markets and for European audiences, ensuring the promotion of its diversity messages resonates across cultures.

Reception

Critical response

Zafari has garnered a generally positive , with an aggregate rating of 6.7/10 on , reflecting praise for its emphasis on diversity and acceptance among its animal characters. Critics have highlighted the series' uplifting messaging, which promotes celebrating differences rather than merely tolerating them, making it a valuable tool for young audiences learning about inclusivity. The innovative use of for real-time rendering has been widely lauded, positioning Zafari as a pioneering effort in production. Outlets such as commended the series for being the first episodic animated show fully rendered with this technology, enabling high-quality visuals at television production speeds and budgets. Similarly, Animation World Network noted its educational value, emphasizing how the storytelling reinforces themes of and self-acceptance in an engaging, humorous format. described it as a "milestone in real-time ," crediting the engine's capabilities for transforming the creative process and output quality. However, some critiques point to structural limitations in the series' narrative approach. Reviews have described certain episodes as formulaic, following predictable patterns that prioritize moral lessons over varied storytelling. These observations underscore a balance between the show's accessibility for preschoolers and its potential for more nuanced exploration.

Audience metrics

Zafari secured pre-buys from broadcasters including in and in as part of a top-performing series slate. By 2020, it had become a hit on Rai Yoyo in . The series has maintained availability on Prime Video worldwide, contributing to its ongoing accessibility for streaming audiences. As of November 2025, Zafari holds a 6.7/10 rating on based on 139 user ratings, reflecting modest but positive engagement from viewers. Popularity among families is indicated by its alignment with content, targeting children aged 4-9 with educational themes on and uniqueness, though specific parent review aggregates like those on were not available in verified sources. The series has not secured major industry awards such as Emmys or Annies but received recognition including Best Animated Work of the Year at the BroadcastPro ME Awards (2018) and Best Use of in TV Series at the Kidscreen Awards (2018). It also earned a nomination in the Awards for outstanding voice performance in 2019. Demographically, Zafari primarily appeals to a audience, with its global reach amplified through distribution deals handled by and DreamWorks, enabling broadcasts in regions including , , the , and streaming on platforms like Prime Video and Peacock.

References

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  2. https://jcutentertainment.com/portfolio-item/zafari/
  3. https://www.cartoonbrew.com/tv/upcoming-animated-series-zafari-rendered-completely-unreal-game-engine-153123.html
  4. https://www.zafari.com/
  5. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4194130/
  6. https://www.unrealengine.com/en-US/spotlights/animated-children-s-series-zafari-springs-to-life-with-unreal-engine
  7. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4194130/plotsummary/
  8. https://www.khaleejtimes.com/uae/new-animated-series-zafari-makes-debut-in-mena-to-promote-tolerance
  9. https://tv.apple.com/bh/episode/episode-1/umc.cmc.4o9rm77qpdf2lj73t6m56jg5r?showId=umc.cmc.lstu1gptzrlw0hvgujjsjdgv
  10. https://www.justwatch.com/uk/tv-series/zafari/season-1
  11. https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/WesternAnimation/Zafari
  12. https://zafarapedia.fandom.com/wiki/Quincy
  13. https://dubdb.fandom.com/wiki/Zafari
  14. https://www.awn.com/news/zafari-set-take-bow-mip-junior
  15. https://www.shootonline.com/article/animated-tv-series-zafari-uses-shotgun-to-streamline-production/
  16. https://www.animationmagazine.net/2014/09/mip-news-bytes-luchien-p-king-duckling-zafari-g-u-n-k-aliens/
  17. https://www.animationmagazine.net/2020/02/digital-dimension-launches-three-divisions-for-series-features/
  18. https://worldscreen.com/tvkids/ink-groups-claus-tomming/
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  24. https://vimeo.com/509527090
  25. https://zafari.com
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  27. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4194130/episodes/
  28. https://www.themoviedb.org/tv/110102-zafari?language=en-US
  29. https://www.primevideo.com/detail/Zafari/0GZ2X84P8PF6NBA16YTHGGPBPM
  30. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4194130/releaseinfo
  31. https://www.megazap.fr/Zafari-et-Arthur-et-les-Minimoys-debarquent-sur-TiJi-a-la-rentree_a3941.html
  32. https://peacock.originals.watch/media/11295/zafari
  33. https://www.animationmagazine.net/2017/10/magic-adventures-44-cats-most-watched-shows-at-mip-jr/
  34. https://licensinginternational.org/news/being-different-makes-all-the-difference-for-zafari-now-a-hit-on-rai-yoyo-many-new-licensees-for-mdl-led-campaign-after-only-six-months-on-air/
  35. https://www.mdistefanolicensing.com/en/2019/03/14/zafari-di-ink-group-e-la-nuova-property-del-portfolio-di-maurizio-distefano-licensing/
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  45. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4194130/awards/
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