Baloo

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Baloo and Mowgli, from the Disney film

Baloo (Hindi: Bear) is the fictional "sleepy old grey bear" featured in In Rudyard Kipling's The Jungle Book and The Second Jungle Book. His name is derived from the Hindi word for "bear". Baloo teaches the cubs of the Seeonee wolf pack the Law of the Jungle. His most challenging pupil is the "man-cub" Mowgli; despite Bagheera's objections he sometimes finds it necessary to use corporal punishment against Mowgli, although when called upon to defend the man-cub against the Bandar-log he does not hesitate. Though there has not been much discussion on it, Baloo is thought to be a Sloth Bear, since it is the only bear species found in the tropical forests of Central India.

A character named Baloo, based on Kipling's creation, has also appeared in various Disney productions, starting with that company's feature-length version of The Jungle Book. In this version, Baloo is an easygoing and fun-loving character who shirks responsibility - seemingly far removed from the law teacher in Kipling's book. This version of the character has appeared in two animated series, TaleSpin (as a pilot), and Jungle Cubs (as a cub), as well as a feature-length sequel to the animated movie. He also made a cameo appearance in the Disney on Ice play, Disney Presents Pixar's The Incredibles in a Magic Kingdom Adventure.

Disney's animated Robin Hood (1973 film) featured an identical bear (albeit brown rather than blue-grey) in the role of Little John. As this bear was also voiced by Phil Harris and possessed many of Baloo's key characteristics, it is worth considering this as a "Disney recast" on par with similar uses of Donald Duck, Goofy, and others.

Baloo's voice has been done by