Exploring Harley Quinn's Favorite Animal: Hyenas
Harley Quinn's affinity for hyenas is a cornerstone of her complex and chaotic personality. In her comic universe, she is often accompanied by two spotted hyenas named Bud and Lou, representing her quirky nature and deep connection to the criminal underworld of Gotham City.
Bud and Lou the Hyenas
The pets of Harley Quinn are none other than spotted hyenas. In various comic book storylines, particularly when Harley Quinn decided to go solo and formed her own gang, their first mission was to liberate Bud and Lou from the Gotham City Zoo. This act of liberation symbolizes Harley's strong bond with these animals and her determination to reclaim her beloved pets.
The names Bud and Lou are a nod to the classic comedy duo Abbott and Costello, adding another layer of personality to these characters. These hyenas were stolen by white-collar criminals who intended to auction them off as exotic pets. However, Harley Quinn intervened, enlisting the help of Poison Ivy to sabotage the auction and reclaim her pets.
The hyena characters appear in various media, including the animated series Batman: The Animated Series and comics. Notably, in Batman Robin, the hyenas remain unnamed until Joker's Millions, with Harley Quinn referring to them as "babies." Their presence in these storylines further emphasizes Harley's connection to the criminal underworld.
Real Hyenas in Film: "Birds of Prey" 2020
In the 2020 film Birds of Prey, Margot Robbie's portrayal of Harley Quinn introduces a pet hyena named Bruce. This hyena serves as a highlight, demonstrating the practical difficulties of using real animals in film production. Margot Robbie shared insights into the challenges of filming with a real hyena:
"For the hyena scene, we went to meet a film-friendly hyena named Fonzi but it didn't work out. He was too dangerous, and anything he was given was his." This excerpt from USA Today highlights the practical complications of using real hyenas in film production.
Due to these challenges, the filmmakers couldn't use Gonzi for the film, but Margot Robbie's character still refers to the hyena as Bruce, a nod to Gotham's Bruce Wayne.
Conclusion
In summary, Harley Quinn's favorite animal is the hyena, and her companions Bud and Lou reflect her unique personality and connection to the criminal world. Whether in comics or on film, these spots represent more than just pets—they embody the essence of Harley Quinn's chaotic and unpredictable nature.