Liya, alternately called Kitty or Lyra, is a cream-furred lioness distinguished by brown bangs and piercing blue eyes. A childhood companion and eventual mate to Leo (born Kimba), her origins are marked by loss after hunters orphaned her near a river. Her noble heritage emerges through her uncle, King Specklerex, shaping her poised presence. In the 1966 series, she resists the aggressive courtship of antagonist Claw, later forging a profound connection with Leo following his rescue. Though forced to depart the jungle temporarily, their bond matures in sequels, depicting her as a mother guiding cubs Lune and Lukio through wilderness trials. The 1997 film highlights her resilience and empathy, showcasing her tending to fire-injured creatures and plague-stricken herds. Her leadership surfaces during confrontations with threats like the elephant Pagula, though her selfless care leads to fatal infection. A 1989 adaptation repositions her as an ally to Leona, a white lioness, embarking on divergent adventures with Leo. Meanwhile, manga iterations reimagine her as Riya, a shrine guardian under Ryona. Captured by the Jungler Tribe, she is liberated by Leo, eventually marrying him and bearing his offspring. Across iterations, her narrative threads weave loyalty, protective motherhood, and dedication to ecological balance, with manga expansions detailing her captivity and role in Leo’s ascension. Adaptation-specific arcs diverge in events while preserving her core resolve.