Disney’s Zootopia 3 is expanding its animal world in a way the franchise has never done before. The upcoming sequel will introduce birds to Zootopia. The arrival was teased in Zootopia 2 when a feather floated onto Judy Hopps’ windowsill during the post-credits scene.
Disney officially announced the movie’s early development at D23 in August 2026. They have yet to announce a release date. Jared Bush, who co-wrote Zootopia and wrote and directed Zootopia 2, will return for the new film. Bush has now confirmed that the feather was a clue to the third film’s story.
He said, “The idea of bringing birds into this world is something that we’ve been excited about for years.” Bush explained what their arrival means for Nick Wilde, Judy, and the wider world of Zootopia. He added that it will be “the fun surprise of this movie.”
The birds could also have an unusual connection with Gary De’Snake, who was introduced in Zootopia 2. Ke Huy Quan, who voices Gary, admitted that he doesn’t “know anything” about what the third film has planned for his character. However, he believes Gary can get along with the birds and said, “Gary is such a nice guy.” Quan added that the birds might initially fear Gary because he is a pit viper, but hopes they’ll eventually see his true nature and become friends with him.
Which animals have shown up in Zootopia
The first Zootopia established the city as a mammal metropolis. Judy is a rabbit, while Nick is a fox. The movie also featured elephants, giraffes, lions, rhinos, tigers, sloths, sheep, goats, mice, polar bears, and several other species.
Zootopia 2 expanded the franchise beyond mammals by introducing reptiles. Gary De’Snake became the franchise’s first major snake character, while the sequel also added new species and locations. The film featured 178 unique characters representing 67 different species.
Now, Zootopia 3 will bring birds into that world for the first time. Disney Animation President Clark Spencer said the addition will help the story “get bigger and bigger” while keeping Nick and Judy at its center.