Alex, a lion, is the main attraction of the Central Park Zoo and undoubtedly "The King of New York City." He's a fun-loving fella whose devotion to steak is matched only by his devotion to his friends.

Marty is a zebra with dreams of exploring the wild beyond the confines of the Central Park Zoo.

Gloria, a hippopotamus, is a bold young lady with a maternal streak that shines when she's with her three closest friends: Alex, Marty, and Melman.

Melman is a kind-hearted giraffe who is a bit of a hypochondriac. He's always just a little bit nervous, but wehn it comes down to it, he'll rise to the occasion.

The penguins are a group of birds on a mission: burst out of the zoo and return home to Antarctica. Skipper serves as the captain of the group, giving orders with ease and authority. Kowalski is Skipper's second-in-command and a dutiful one at that. Rico is the brute of the group and will karate chop anything in sight. Private's primary job in the group is to maintain the cute a fuzzy disguise.

The Zookeepers introduce the zoo guests to all the sights and attractions of the Central Park Zoo. 

the Lemurs are a wild band of creatives native to Madagascar trying desperately to avoid being eaten by the catlike creatures called the Foosa.

King Julien is the leader of the Lemurs.

Maurice is King Julien's assistant who is often the one to impart the truth to King Julien.