The film follows a group of zoo animals led by a lion named Samson (voiced by Kiefer Sutherland) who embark on a journey from the New York City Zoo to the wild jungles of Africa to rescue Samson’s son, Ryan (voiced by Greg Cipes), who has been mistakenly shipped to Africa.
Samson’s son Ryan, a lion cub, longs to be like his father and fears he will never live up to his legacy. However, when he accidentally ends up shipped to Africa, Samson gathers a group of his zoo friends to embark on a daring rescue mission.
The group includes Benny the Squirrel (voiced by James Belushi), Bridget the Giraffe (voiced by Janeane Garofalo), Nigel the Koala (voiced by Eddie Izzard), and Larry the Anaconda (voiced by Richard Kind). Together, they set out on an epic adventure across the ocean to find Ryan and bring him home safely.
As the journey progresses, the group encounters various obstacles and challenges, including navigating treacherous waters, surviving encounters with dangerous animals, and overcoming their own fears and insecurities.
Meanwhile, back at the New York City Zoo, a power-hungry wildebeest named Kazar (voiced by William Shatner) takes advantage of Samson’s absence to stage a coup and seize control of the zoo for himself.
In a series of thrilling and comedic sequences, Samson and his friends race against time to rescue Ryan and thwart Kazar’s plans. Along the way, they learn valuable lessons about friendship, courage, and the importance of being true to oneself.
In a climactic showdown, Samson confronts Kazar and his minions, leading to a dramatic showdown between the two factions. With the help of his friends and the power of teamwork, Samson emerges victorious and reunites with his son Ryan.
The film concludes with Samson and his friends returning to the New York City Zoo, where they are hailed as heroes and celebrated for their bravery and courage. Ryan learns that he doesn’t have to be exactly like his father to be a great lion and finds his own place in the world.
Overall, “The Wild” is a heartwarming and entertaining animated film that delivers laughs, thrills, and positive messages about friendship, family, and the importance of staying true to oneself. It’s a fun-filled adventure that will delight audiences of all ages.