Waaaaay back in 1937, the Seven Dwarfs first sang (and whistled) that now-famous tune, “Heigh-ho, heigh-ho, it’s home from work we go.” But the rest of the song clues us in to just how hard they actually had to work: “We dig dig dig dig dig dig dig in our mine the whole day through. To dig dig dig dig dig dig dig is what we like to do.” Whew! Talk about a great work ethic! Speaking of which, this Friday, March 4, is Employee Appreciation Day in addition to the opening day of Disney’s newest animated feature, Zootopia! Starring the voices of Ginnifer Goodwin, Jason Bateman, Idris Elba, and a whole slew of other actors, Zootopia extols the virtues of friendship, acceptance, and—of course—hard work! So we figured what better way to celebrate Employee Appreciation Day than to profile some of the hardest-working characters from Zootopia, a city abuzz with animals from all professions and walks of life!
Judy Hopps: Her hard-working farming family taught Judy the value of a hard day’s work, and even though she loves her parents and her farm, Judy dreams of life in the big city of Zootopia. Her dreams make her the first bunny ever to join Zootopia’s police department.
Bellwether: It’s not easy working in the shadow of larger-than-life Mayor Lionheart, but Assistant Mayor Bellwether is determined to make her mark, pulling long hours and constantly toting around stacks of books. She may have a little voice and a seemingly diminutive appearance, but her can-do attitude is sure to take her places.
Flash: Flash isn’t fast—as a matter of fact, he’s veeeery slow, which explains the wait times at the Zootopia DMV (Department of Mammal Vehicles). But he’s thorough, he follows through on his tasks, and—perhaps most important—he has a great sense of humor. Tell him a joke, go ahead. Then sit there and wait as he slowly breaks into laughter. He may not have the best job, but he’s not complaining.
Chief Bogo: Do not irritate Bogo, the Cape Buffalo who is also the chief of the Zootopia Police Department. Chief Bogo is used to working with hardened rhinos and thick-skinned elephants, which is why when Judy Hopps shows up, he doesn’t exactly welcome her with open arms. But don’t hold it against him—he’s just never seen a bunny on the police force before.
Yax: With flies buzzing around his shaggy mane and flowers in his hair, Yax is the epitome of the free-spirited. He wears a beaded necklace, and little else, as the owner of Mystic Springs Oasis, a naturalist club for animals who prefer to go au naturale. Yax may not know the latest fashions, but he has revealing insights that help Judy.
Stu Hopps: Judy’s hard-work ethic comes from her dad, Stu Hopps, a carrot farmer from Bunnyburrow. He and his wife, Mrs. Hopps, aren’t too keen on Judy moving to the big city and getting mixed up with the shady characters they believe are there, but they have faith in their daughter.
