Movie
Description
Zarude hails from the Forest of Okoya, a secluded jungle territory strictly forbidden to outsiders and protected by tribal law. This Mythical Pokémon resembles a simian creature, drawing inspiration from baboons or mandrills. Coarse black fur covers most of its body, contrasting with shorter gray fur on its chest and belly. Light gray skin is exposed on its upper snout, palms, and around its eyes, which feature red sclerae, green irises, and slitted black pupils. Sharp, prominent canines remain visible even when its mouth is closed.
A defining trait is its ability to extend prehensile vines from its wrists, neck, and the soles of its feet. These versatile vines aid in locomotion through trees, gathering food, and combat. When wrapped around injuries, they rapidly heal wounds by absorbing energy from surrounding trees. Detached vines decay over time, enriching the forest soil with nutrients. The number of vines varies among individuals, potentially signifying age or status, with elders displaying more.
Zarude live in aggressive, territorial packs that instill fear in other Pokémon, attacking outsiders on sight under a strict code forbidding human contact. However, one Zarude diverged entirely. Discovering a human infant washed ashore in a cradle, it abandoned its troop to raise the child alone. Naming the infant "Koko," it nurtured him as its own offspring, becoming known as "Dada Zarude." It fashioned a pink, torn cape from cloth found with Koko; this cape bears Celebi's Pokédex number (251) and emits a comforting scent that soothed Koko during infancy.
Dada Zarude's solitary life with Koko emphasized deep parental devotion, teaching him survival skills and treating him as a fellow Pokémon. This unique bond unlocked an emotional resilience contrasting sharply with the species' typical ferocity. When Koko befriended a human visitor (Ash Ketchum), Dada Zarude reluctantly revealed Koko's human origins, showing him an abandoned laboratory and a photograph of Koko's deceased parents. Despite initial friction, this disclosure later prompted Dada Zarude to return to its former tribe seeking aid when the forest faced peril.
The Forest of Okoya's sanctity was threatened by Dr. Zed, a scientist targeting the tribe's sacred healing springs. After Zed's mechanized assault damaged the Great Tree and unleashed the springs, Dada Zarude and its reconciled tribe allied with previously hostile jungle Pokémon to defend their home. During the battle, Dada Zarude sustained critical injuries shielding Koko. In response, Koko harnessed the jungle's energy—mirroring Zarude's abilities—to heal Dada Zarude, demonstrating their profound bond. This act also catalyzed the geyser-like restoration of the healing springs.
Following the conflict, Dada Zarude accepted Koko's decision to explore the human world. The film concludes with Dada Zarude observing a Shiny Celebi near the rejuvenated Great Tree, now coexisting peacefully with other jungle Pokémon.
In combat, Zarude employs acrobatic movements and sharp claws, augmented by signature techniques like "Jungle Healing"—an exclusive move channeling forest energy to heal allies and cure status ailments. Though genderless as a species, Zarude are characterized with masculine traits, including vocal patterns and pronouns.
A defining trait is its ability to extend prehensile vines from its wrists, neck, and the soles of its feet. These versatile vines aid in locomotion through trees, gathering food, and combat. When wrapped around injuries, they rapidly heal wounds by absorbing energy from surrounding trees. Detached vines decay over time, enriching the forest soil with nutrients. The number of vines varies among individuals, potentially signifying age or status, with elders displaying more.
Zarude live in aggressive, territorial packs that instill fear in other Pokémon, attacking outsiders on sight under a strict code forbidding human contact. However, one Zarude diverged entirely. Discovering a human infant washed ashore in a cradle, it abandoned its troop to raise the child alone. Naming the infant "Koko," it nurtured him as its own offspring, becoming known as "Dada Zarude." It fashioned a pink, torn cape from cloth found with Koko; this cape bears Celebi's Pokédex number (251) and emits a comforting scent that soothed Koko during infancy.
Dada Zarude's solitary life with Koko emphasized deep parental devotion, teaching him survival skills and treating him as a fellow Pokémon. This unique bond unlocked an emotional resilience contrasting sharply with the species' typical ferocity. When Koko befriended a human visitor (Ash Ketchum), Dada Zarude reluctantly revealed Koko's human origins, showing him an abandoned laboratory and a photograph of Koko's deceased parents. Despite initial friction, this disclosure later prompted Dada Zarude to return to its former tribe seeking aid when the forest faced peril.
The Forest of Okoya's sanctity was threatened by Dr. Zed, a scientist targeting the tribe's sacred healing springs. After Zed's mechanized assault damaged the Great Tree and unleashed the springs, Dada Zarude and its reconciled tribe allied with previously hostile jungle Pokémon to defend their home. During the battle, Dada Zarude sustained critical injuries shielding Koko. In response, Koko harnessed the jungle's energy—mirroring Zarude's abilities—to heal Dada Zarude, demonstrating their profound bond. This act also catalyzed the geyser-like restoration of the healing springs.
Following the conflict, Dada Zarude accepted Koko's decision to explore the human world. The film concludes with Dada Zarude observing a Shiny Celebi near the rejuvenated Great Tree, now coexisting peacefully with other jungle Pokémon.
In combat, Zarude employs acrobatic movements and sharp claws, augmented by signature techniques like "Jungle Healing"—an exclusive move channeling forest energy to heal allies and cure status ailments. Though genderless as a species, Zarude are characterized with masculine traits, including vocal patterns and pronouns.