Disney Shares First Look at the Clawhauser Animatronic for Zootopia: Better Zoogether!

Hey Disney Vacationers! It’s official—our favorite donut-loving cheetah is stepping out of the screen and into real life. Disney has just shared the first look at the Clawhauser Animatronic figure, which will be part of the brand-new Zootopia: Better Zoogether show at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. The show officially opens on November 7, 2025, inside the Tree of Life Theater.

This is great news for anyone who has ever dreamed of seeing Zootopia come to life, and honestly, as a longtime Disney Parks fan, I can’t wait.

Quick Reference Guide

Who Is Clawhauser?

If you’ve watched Zootopia or the upcoming Zootopia 2, you already know Benjamin Clawhauser. He’s the upbeat, snack-obsessed cheetah who works at the front desk of the Zootopia Police Department. He’s also one of the funniest and most lovable side characters Disney has ever created.

That personality is what makes him the perfect choice for Disney Imagineering’s next big animatronic.

What Makes This Animatronic Special

Here’s the big difference: while most characters in the new show will appear on screen, Clawhauser will be physically in the theater.

Disney confirmed that his Audio-Animatronics figure will:

• Wear his special Zoogether Day outfit (complete with glow necklaces, bracelets, and a sparkling Gazelle T-shirt).
• Deliver high-energy comedy moments that play out live in front of the audience.
• Show off his trademark enthusiasm as he dreams of becoming the V.I.Z. (Very Important Zootopian).

This blend of screen-based storytelling and live animatronics gives the show a next-level immersive quality. It’s a smart move by Imagineering and a big win for fans who love Disney’s legendary Audio-Animatronics.

The Zoogether Day LIVE! Experience

So what exactly will this show look like? Guests are invited to join Zoogether Day LIVE!, a citywide broadcast hosted by a brand-new character: Heidi Howler, a fast-talking wolf.

With special “Carrot Vision” glasses, the audience will see Zootopia’s different biomes come alive in the theater. Expect:

• Performances by Gazelle (yes, superstar Gazelle is back).
• On-screen appearances from Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde.
• Environmental effects that make the action feel 4D—like wind, lighting, and maybe even scents.

It’s a full sensory celebration of Zootopia.

Replacing It’s Tough to Be a Bug!

For longtime Animal Kingdom fans, this show is taking the spot of It’s Tough to Be a Bug!, which closed earlier this year in March. That show ran since the park’s opening in 1998, and while many of us will miss it, the fresh energy of Zootopia feels like a natural fit for today’s audiences.

And let’s be honest—Clawhauser already feels like he belongs in the Tree of Life Theater.

Final Takeaway

The Clawhauser animatronic for Zootopia: Better Zoogether is the heart of Disney’s newest 4D show. Opening November 7, 2025, this mix of film, effects, and live animatronics will give guests a reason to make the Tree of Life Theater a must-do again.

As someone who’s been visiting Disney Parks for decades, I can honestly say this is an exciting addition to Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Additionally, it’s the first step in the overall reimagining of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, which is bringing more intellectual property (IP) into the park. With more changes coming soon with Tropical Americas.

And let’s face it—seeing Clawhauser’s big smile in person is going to be worth the wait.

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Meet the Author: Nate Bishop

I’m a die-hard Disney fan with 38 years of visits under my belt, having stepped into Disney World 120+ times. Proud to be a Disney Annual Passholder, a Vacation Club member since ’92, a Castaway Club Member, and a runDisney enthusiast. Oh, and I’ve graduated from the Disney College of Knowledge. Need Disney insights or planning tips? I’m your guy!