My Lion King Forum

As we all know, Zira spent a great deal of time and effort preparing Kovu for battle with Simba, ever since his cubhood. It could be assumed that she made sure he was well-fed in order to better fulfill his duty and accomodate his training. In an environment such as the Outlands, food was obviously scarce. Wouldn't this have put somewhat of a strain on the rest of the Outlanders who, in turn, would have had to do with less food, since more was probably going to Kovu? Perhaps one of the elements of Zira's defeat was that she had to do with an even less-nurtured army than usual when she attacked Simba's Pride after Kovu turned good. After all, Zira has been focusing her time, effort, and probably resources (including food) on Kovu, likely neglecting the rest of her pride and therefore her army.

I agree with this, Snow. I definatly think Zira made sure that Kovu got more than his share of food to ensure that he would grow big and strong, not thin and under-nourished. With food already being scarce and hard to find, I think this would indeed put a lot of strain on the pride, and undoubtetly cause conflict.

Also, remember when Kovu and Kiara were stargazing? Kovu saw an image in the stars that looked "like two lions killing eachother over a scrap of meat." Sounds to me the Outlanders were pretty desperate to get any food they could.

Looking at the Outlanders, it looks like Kovu is the only one with a strong, full build. All the lionesses, even Zira and Vitani are really skinny, a sign that they have been getting way too little food.

I’m sure Zira made Vitani and Nuka give up a lot of their food to Kovu.. When it comes to Zira herself, I feel like she could live off hate alone.

I believe you're right on that, more or less. In order for Kovu to grow to such strength as an adolescent, sacrifices would have to be made throughout the pride considering the lack of food in the Outlands. It would probably cause several hard feelings with some of the lionesses at times when it is more scarce than usual (not to mention Nuka), but I'd imagine many would feel it is for a higher cause - For their future sovereign, to retake the Pridelands. Their present was bleak, but their future was in boundless wealth to their eyes. No longer fighting over scraps of meat, or having to preserve everything they could.

What with how muscular Kovu is as an adolescent, it would be safe to assume that everyone was pooling their resources into him and his training.

Remember that the outlanders followed Zira by choice in Scar's name. They accepted that Kovu needed special treatment as Scar's heir and their savior that would one day lead them back to glory.

Wow, it's gotta be said- Very observant! I agree, Kovu looked much more well-built than all the other lions/lionesses in the Outlands (especially Nuka). I guess during the battle, the other Outanders used their skill, which Zira has possibly taught them, to bring the Pridelanders down as best they could.

Hmm, to me, The Outlanders were doing pretty good holding their own against the much healthier looking Pridelanders, so I don't think this was that big of an issue. ^^ If it hadn't been for Kovu and Kiara interrupting the scene, it would seem to me that The Outlanders would have probably pulled off a victory. I guess The Pridelanders weren't trained so well in the art of paw to paw combat, so maybe that added to The Outlanders favor, or maybe it was just sheer desperation and determination for a better future, much like Kina so wonderfully worded it. lol. ^^ Either way, I don't think Kovu getting a few extra scraps of food really hindered the rest of Zira's horde. :)

It would make sense that Zira would give as much as possible to Kovu.