Based on Eduard Uspensky's 1966 children's book *Gena the Crocodile and His Friends*, Gena is an anthropomorphic crocodile employed at a zoo as a visitor attraction. He typically dons a hat, bow tie, and coat while entertaining crowds with his accordion, notably performing Vladimir Shainsky’s signature songs "Such a Pity that One’s Birthday Happens Only Once a Year" and "The Blue Train Car." Gena befriends Cheburashka—an "animal unknown to science" discovered in a crate of oranges—forging a bond centered on mutual kindness and inclusivity, where actions eclipse personal origins.

In *Cheburashka Arere?*, Gena resides in a modest home and receives Cheburashka via an orange delivery. He names the creature after witnessing its tumbling arrival, referencing the Russian term "cheburakhnulsya." As a nurturing figure, Gena integrates Cheburashka into daily routines, including zoo visits and games, exhibiting patience and gentleness. Their activities range from chess matches to low-stakes adventures focused on camaraderie and discovery. Though Gena’s setting shifts from a phone booth to a house, his supportive nature remains unchanged.

Beyond the original book and *Arere?*, Gena features in adaptations like Sweden’s *Drutten och Jena* (1970s), where he retains his visual design but is reimagined as a bookshelf hand puppet in entirely new storylines. The 2023 live-action film *Cheburashka* recasts him as a gardener instead of a zoo employee, yet preserves his core friendship with Cheburashka. Across all iterations, Gena’s design and narrative role adapt, but his foundational dynamic with Cheburashka persists. His portrayal consistently emphasizes reliability and kindness without significant arcs or changes to his established personality.