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| DEBUT | 1980 |
Simba is a domestic cat whom Big Bird auditions for the Bunkum and Ballyhoo Circus when P. T. Bunkum comes to Sesame Street in Episode 1451.
Although Simba is not a wild animal, Big Bird advertises him as such, which confuses Bunkum, who sees before him merely a "kitty-cat." In typical cat fashion, Simba is resistant to obeying commands, despite Big Bird's requests to perform circus tricks.
Simba refuses to jump through a hula hoop or leap over a book, but he harbors one surprising characteristic: this feline possesses the ability to roar like a mighty lion (as his name is the Swahili word for lion).
The puppet used for Simba was later reworked for Rocky in 1986, and made a number of unnamed appearances with slightly altered features.