Kong

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This article is about the species of sapient primates that mostly appear in theDonkey Kong franchise. For the boss group fromDonkey Kong Jungle Beat, seeKong (boss group). For the character who was once referred to as simply "Kong", seeDonkey Kong.
Kong
Donkey Kong, Diddy Kong, Dixie Kong and Cranky Kong
The main Kongs ofDonkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze: clockwise from top,Donkey Kong,Dixie Kong,Cranky Kong, andDiddy Kong
First appearanceDonkey Kong (1981)
Latest appearanceSuper Mario Party Jamboree – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Jamboree TV (2025)
Variants
Relatives
Notable members
“I'm the king of the Kong, the simian Don Juan.”
Diddy Kong, "Kong for a Day"

Kongs (known asApes in production literature for theDonkey Kong Country television series)[1] are a species of sapient primates that make up much of the cast of theDonkey Kong franchise, with theeponymous character himself being one. Kongs are capable of actions such as speech and building houses and typically wear clothing, though the amount varies drastically with the individual, with Donkey Kong himself wearing only a tie, while many others wear full outfits. Kongs seem to be native toDonkey Kong Island, and they share an animosity with much of the crocodilianKremling race. While most of them share the surname "Kong," they are not all directly related to one another. Kongs can resemble any number of real-life primates, with Donkey Kong,Funky Kong, and several others resembling gorillas;Diddy Kong resembling a monkey;Dixie Kong andTiny Kong resembling chimpanzees; andLanky Kong resembling an orangutan. Many of the Kong characters' first names, especially in the games, end with an "ee" sound (as well as the letter "y") like Donkey Kong's name, with some exceptions, such asVoid Kong and theKong boss group (aside fromKarate Kong andGhastly King).

General information[edit]

Name[edit]

The name "Kong" comes from a Japanese slang word for "gorilla."[2]

Generic names of various real-life types of primates, such as "monkeys," "chimps," "gorillas," and "apes," are used fairly interchangeably to describe Kongs, especially in earlier media such asSaturday Supercade and theDonkey Kong Country cartoon, which never refer to Kongs as such outside their individual names. However, the term "baboon" seems to be reserved as an insult, potentially due to it sounding similar to the word "buffoon," and is even used against other species, such asCranky Kong using it againstKrusha in "From Zero to Hero." Despite this, according to an article in the Nintendo Switch news app, Kongs are their own species separate from apes.[3]

Society[edit]

In the games, the society of Kongs lives on Donkey Kong Island, living in houses made of wood, usually built on top of trees. Donkey Kong is their king, though sometimes Cranky Kong fills the role of being a leader. Generic Kongs are not commonly seen, with most known members of the species being individual characters.

The instruction booklet forDonkey Kong Country states that Manky Kongs were rejected by the Kongs. Despite this, Lanky Kong, who is an orangutan himself, is friendly to the Kongs and also part of the Kong Family.

The Super Mario Bros. Movie, in contrast to the games, depicts the Kongs living in a bigger society and being more technologically advanced, having an entire factory dedicated to the manufacturing ofkarts.

Diet[edit]

Kongs usually take a strong liking tobananas, which are the subject of many stories involving the species. In particular, Donkey Kong has a cave full of them and is constantly seen eating them. Despite this, Kongs are also seen eating other kinds of food.

Speech[edit]

In theDonkey Kong Country series and inThe Super Mario Bros. Movie, Kongs are capable of speaking intelligibly. However, in most games where Kongs appear alongside other species, particularly humans, as demonstrated inMario Super Sluggers and theMario & Sonic series, they simply say the word "Ook" followed by a translation of what they are saying in parentheses. Sometimes they do not speak at all, such as inSaturday Supercade.

Kong Family[edit]

The Kong family in the credits.
The Kong Family, as seen in theGame Boy Advance version ofDonkey Kong Country 2

TheKong Family[4] (alternativelyKong family),[5] also known as theDonkey Kong Family,[6]Kong Klan,[7][8]DK Crew,[9][10]DK Krew,[11] andDonkey Kong Crew,[12] is the main group of Kongs, beingDonkey Kong's family and close friends. The patriarch of the family is Cranky Kong, the original Donkey Kong. In theDonkey Kong franchise of video games, members of the Kong Family are either playable characters or supporting characters that aid the main heroes on their journey, although they also receive help from allies outside the family, including theAnimal Friends and theKremlingK. Lumsy.

Though only officialized inDonkey Kong Country, the concept of a family of Kongs dates back toDonkey Kong Jr.

The family often uses the initials "DK" as a symbol, which most often represents Donkey Kong. It is seen on Donkey Kong's tie,DK Barrels,DK Coins, theLevel Flags,DK Spaces, and various other objects around Donkey Kong Island. The symbol is also used in theSuper Smash Bros. series, although in this context, it is used as the logo for theDonkey Kong franchise in general instead of just the Kong Family members (sinceKing K. Rool andKlaptraps also use it).

According toGregg Mayles, the characters were loosely intended to be an actual family, but the extended relations were left deliberately vague by the release ofDonkey Kong Country due to uncanny details such asDiddy Kong having a tail andCandy Kong looking humanoid, as more priority was put in diversifying the designs rather than fitting it into a cohesive family tree background.[13]

Profiles[edit]

Donkey Kong Country[edit]

  • Nintendo Power vol. 65 (page 19):Kong's family helps out in many ways, from advice to transportation. Introducing Cranky, Candy and Funky Kong!

Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest[edit]

  • SNES instruction booklet (page 26):Even though Diddy and Dixie are supposed to be going on this quest on their own, the rest of the Kong clan just couldn't stay out of it, especially since there is money to be made helping beginning adventures! You'll find all the Kong family members in the prime business locations throughout Crocodile Isle.
  • Player's Guide (page 7):The rest of the Kong clan will be happy to perform many valuable services-that is, if you've got a few Banana Coins to spare!

Donkey Kong Country 3: Diddy Kong's Double Trouble![edit]

  • SNES instruction booklet (page 16):Everyone's getting in on the act! This time around, the Kong Family members offer their services free, with the exception of Swanky Kong (of course)! You'll find Kong Family members in every world.
  • Player's Guide (page 8):Donkey and Diddy might be off exploring the island, but Dixie and Kiddy can always find a hairy helping hand or a world of encouragement from other members of the Kong Klan. While these reliable relatives won't join you in your adventure, each family member possesses an important skill that can make your jungle journey just a little bit easier.

Donkey Kong 64[edit]

  • Instruction booklet bio from Cranky Kong (page 8):You’ll find the services of these unsung heroes invaluable as you trudge through your third-rate quest. I’d now like to introduce you to the most important character in the game, as well as my trusty assistants who have minor roles, too. Just remember that we rightfully expect our expertise to be rewarded, so do collect a good haul of Banana Bunch Coins before you even think about disturbing me, won’t you?
  • Player's Guide (page 6):There's more to Donkey Kong 64 than a barrelful of monkeys. Besides the five starring Kongs, family favorites such as Cranky and Wrinkly refused to stay away once they heard about all the fun. There are new supporting characters, as well. Meet them now-up close and personal.
  • Nintendo Power vol. 141 (page 70):At the beginning of your adventure, you'll guide Donkey Kong through the DK Isles. As you progress, you will free the other members of the Kong family and you will be able to switch control to those Kongs at Tag Barrels.

Gallery[edit]

Group pictures[edit]

Emblem[edit]

Kong army[edit]

Characters driving on Rainbow Road in The Super Mario Bros. Movie
A convoy of the Kong army in karts driving on Rainbow Road
“What makesyou think you're worthy of fighting alongside the greatest army in the world!?”
Cranky Kong,The Super Mario Bros. Movie

The Super Mario Bros. Movie introduces theKong army, which, as implied by its title, is the army of theJungle Kingdom that consists of various Kongs. In the film,Mario has to fight Donkey Kong in order for them to join the fight againstBowser and his troops. After Mario wins against Donkey Kong, the army prepares for the fight in thekart workshop and takes asecret passage that leads toRainbow Road. The members of the Kong army get captured by the troops inKoopa Clown Cars and get put into the prison to be sacrificed for the royal wedding.

Gallery[edit]

  • Koopa Clown Cars capturing the Kong army convoy

    Koopa Clown Cars capturing the Kong army convoy

List of Kongs[edit]

Donkey Kong's family[edit]

In addition, Donkey Kong Jr. has a relative referred to asUncle Julius, though he has not been shown to be a part of the Kong clan.

Dixie Kong's family[edit]

Other members[edit]

Evil Kongs[edit]

Robotic Kongs[edit]

Kong species[edit]

Unused Kongs[edit]

Gallery[edit]

Names in other languages[edit]

Kong[edit]

LanguageNameMeaningNotes
Japaneseコング[23]
Kongu
Kong
HungarianKong[24]-
RussianКонг[25]
Kong
Kong
Sinhalaගොන්[26]
Gon
Kong
SlovenianKong[27]-

Kong Family[edit]

LanguageNameMeaningNotes
Japaneseコングファミリー[?]
Kongu Famirī
Kong Family
CatalanFamília Kong[?]Kong FamilyThe Super Mario Bros. Movie
Chinese(Simplified)刚家族[?]
Gāng Jiāzú
Kong Family
Chinese(Traditional)剛家族[?]
Gāng Jiāzú
Kong Family
FrenchFamille Kong[?]Kong Family
GermanKong-Familie[?]Kong Family
ItalianFamiglia Kong[?]Kong Family
PortugueseFamília Kong[28][29]Kong Family
SpanishFamilia Kong[?]Kong Family

Kong army[edit]

LanguageNameMeaningNotes
CatalanExèrcit Kong[?]Kong army
FrenchArmée des Kongs[?]Kong army
ItalianEsercito dei Kong[?]Kong army
RomanianArmata Kong[?]The Kong army
SpanishEjército Kong[?]Kong Army

References[edit]

  1. ^1998.Computer Animation: A Whole New World.Rockport Publishers. ISBN1564963772. Page 87.
  2. ^De Maria, Rusel, and Johnny L. Wilson (December 18, 2003).High Score!: The Illustrated History of Electronic Games (2nd edition). New York:McGraw-Hill/Osborne (English). ISBN9780072231724.
  3. ^"Just a reminder that Donkey Kong is not an ape—he is a Kong. However, ‘going ape’ is a phrase that can be used for Kongs as well!" – News post.Nintendo Switch News (American English). (ScreenshotMedia:Switch News Kong.jpg.)
  4. ^1995.Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest Instruction Booklet.Nintendo of America (English). Page 21.
  5. ^"Have you been to see the other members of the Kong family? They're not as useful as me of course, but they might be able to help." – Cranky Kong.Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest.
  6. ^1994.Donkey Kong Country Player's Guide.Nintendo of America (English). Page 5. Retrieved September 10, 2022 from Internet Archive.
  7. ^Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest cast roll
  8. ^Munson, Terry, and Paul Shinoda (1996).Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong's Double Trouble! Player's Guide.Nintendo of America (English). Page 8. Retrieved April 19, 2019 from Internet Archive.
  9. ^"He's the first member of the DK crew!" – DK Rap singer.Donkey Kong 64.
  10. ^"The DK Crew came to his tropical paradise for a little R&R." – Narrator.DK: Jungle Climber.
  11. ^"The DK Krew is Counting on You!" –Back coverMedia:DKC2 GBA back cover.jpg ofDonkey Kong Country 2 (Game Boy Advance).
  12. ^"Take your pick from the Donkey Kong Crew — Donkey Kong, Diddy, Dixie and Funky are all here!" –British back coverMedia:DKJC UK Back Cover.jpg ofDonkey Kong: Jungle Climber.
  13. ^GameXplain (November 16, 2019).Talking with Rare's Creative Director for DKC's 25th Anniversary! (Cut Content, Wario Plot, & More) (27:06).YouTube (English). Retrieved June 3, 2024.
  14. ^"Yes, but it's no ordinary one though! It was Cranky's great grandfather's! I can't let it go for less than 50 coins." – Bazaar.Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong's Double Trouble!.
  15. ^"Get out of my tent now, you cheeky ape!! Wait till I tell your parents." – Cranky Kong.Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong's Double Trouble!.
  16. ^Nintendo of America (June 18, 2025).Donkey Kong Bananza Direct 6.18.2025.YouTube. Retrieved June 23, 2025.
  17. ^"A newcomer to the Kong clan and the joker of the pack. I haven't a clue whom he's related to—must be some distant cousin or something." – Cranky Kong (1999).Donkey Kong 64 instruction booklet.Nintendo of America. Page 8.
  18. ^"The well-mannered giant gorilla is, in the truest sense of the word, a great guy, and sticks to Lanky, his uncle once-removed." – Chunky Kong bio, GermanDonkey Kong 64 website.
  19. ^1994.Donkey Kong Country instruction booklet.Nintendo of America (English). Page 29.
  20. ^Mark (July 26, 2010).Diddy Kong Pilot's Hillbilly Kong name revealed!.DK Vine (English). Retrieved June 14, 2025.
  21. ^Brian.Diddy Kong Pilot – screenshots, videos, details, and more.Nintendo Everything. Retrieved June 14, 2025.
  22. ^Proto:Banjo-Pilot/Diddy Kong Pilot 2001 § Story Text.The Cutting Room Floor. Retrieved April 23, 2024.
  23. ^ドンキーコング 1 - 炸裂!バナナパワ [最高品質]
  24. ^https://drive.google.com/file/d/14FAvri_gMZyfj6zDXBlZMoPGxrgO6SbB/view
  25. ^metalofon (July 17, 2025).DONKEY KONG BANANZA - ПРОХОЖДЕНИЕ #4 - Бананария Слонихи (49:52). Russian. Retrieved November 2, 2025 from YouTube.
  26. ^Bad Hair Day (Sinhala Dub) | Donkey Kong Country
  27. ^Club Nintendo Yugosa 1994 07
  28. ^Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest instruction booklet.Nintendo (Brazilian Portuguese). Page 15-26.
  29. ^Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong's Double Trouble instruction booklet.Nintendo (Brazilian Portuguese). Page 16.
Kongs
CharactersBaby Kong("Baby Kong Blues")BinkBluster KongBluster Kong's parentsCandy KongChunky KongCranky KongCranky Kong's great grandfatherDiddy KongDinky MamaDixie KongDixie Kong's parentsDonkey KongDonkey Kong Jr.Dread KongDriverEddie the Mean Old YetiFunky KongGhastly KingGori KeibuGreat Aunt GrouchyGreat Uncle SpaceyGrumpy KongKarate KongKiddy KongKiddy Kong's parentsKong ElderKong FuLanky KongManky KongMini Donkey Kong (Game & Watch)Monkey KongNinja KongPoppy KongRabbid CrankyRabbid KongRingoSnow KongSumo KongSuper KongSwanky KongTiny KongUncle KongVoid KongWrinkly Kong
SpeciesChained KongGuerrillaManky KongSnow Ucky KongUckykong
FormsBaboon BalloonBaby DKBaby Kong("Ape Foo Young")Elephant BananzaFire Donkey KongHunky ChunkyGiant Donkey KongGorilla GoneKong BananzaLeo LusterMega Rabbid KongMini-MonkeyOstrich BananzaSnake BananzaStrong KongUltra Barrel DKYoung Cranky KongZebra BananzaRobot-Donkey Kong
RobotsCandy CloneCannon KongCapture KongCatapult KongCircus KongCool KongCrash KongKongāMecha Donkey KongMecha KongMini Diddy KongMini Donkey Kong (toy)Robo DKRobot
GroupsDonkey Kong's robotsKong (boss group)Kong armyKong FamilyVoid Company
See alsoBa-BoomKing KongMinkeyMommaMonkeyNinjapePoppaProspector MonkeySalvager MonkeySonnyUkikiUncle Julius
The Super Mario Bros. Movie
CharactersMain charactersDonkey KongLuigiMarioPrincess PeachToad
AntagonistsBowserKamekKoopa General
Supporting charactersBrKLnCoupleCranky KongDriverFrancisGiuseppeKong armyLumaleeMario and Luigi's family (Aunt Marie ·Mario and Luigi's father ·Mario and Luigi's grandfather ·Mario and Luigi's mother ·Mario and Luigi's niece ·Uncle Arthur ·Uncle Tony) •Penguin KingSpikeToad General
Other charactersBaby LuigiBaby MarioBaby PeachChanterelleChunky KongDiddy KongDixie KongFunky KongKiddy KongKing Bob-ombKing BooLuigi's bullyPaulinePitSuper Mario Bros. Plumbing customerSwanky KongToadetteYoshi
FormsCape MarioCat MarioFire MarioIce MarioInvincible MarioMini MarioSuper MarioTanooki Mario
SpeciesBatBiddybudBlooper (Blooper Baby) •Bob-ombBullet Bill (Bomber Bill) •BramballBuzzy BeetleChain ChompCheep Cheep (Spiny Cheep Cheep) •Goomba (Goomba Tower) •Hammer BroHumanJellybeamKongKoopa (Dry Bones ·Koopa Paratroopa ·Koopa Troopa ·Spiny ·Sledge Bro) •LumaMaw-RayPenguinPiranha PlantShy GuySnifitToadYoshi
LocationsBob-omb BattlefieldBowser's CastleBrooklyn (Brooklyn Heights) •Brooklyn BridgeCastle BurgerCrazy CapDark LandsJungle KingdomFire Flower FieldsGreat Ring of KongHigh CliffsKart workshopMushroom ForestMushroom Kingdom (Toad Town · Mushroom Heights) •Peach's CastlePunch-Out PizzeriaRainbow RoadDesert AreaSecret passageSnow KingdomSuper Mario Bros. PlumbingTraining CourseWarp ZoneWaterfall AreaYoshi's Island
Items and objects! BlockAnchorAxeBarrelBill BlasterBike (Bullet Bike ·Mach Bike) •Blue mushroomBlue ShellBoomerang FlowerBowser StatueBoxBrick BlockCannonCape FeatherClear PipeCoinCoin BlockCrateDonut BlockDragon CoinFire BarFire FlowerFlying Question BlockFruit (Banana ·Carrot ·Coconut ·Grape ·Melon ·Pineapple ·Turnip ·Watermelon) •GirderGoal PoleHammerIce FlowerKart (Pipe Frame ·Standard Kart ·Tiny Titan) •Koopa Clown CarLadderLakitu's CloudLiftMagic wandMagical PotionMushroom PlatformMusic BoxMysterious pipeP SwitchP-WingPOW BlockPower BalloonQuestion BlockRocket BarrelRotating BlockShy Guy balloonSpike TrapSnowballSuper BellSuper LeafSuper MushroomSuper StarTanooki SuitTrampolineWarp PipeWooden cutoutYoshi's Egg
MusicOriginal Motion Picture Soundtrack"Super Mario Bros. Opus" • "Press Start" • "King of the Koopas" • "Plumbin' Ain't Easy" • "It's a Dog Eat Plumber World" • "Saving Brooklyn" • "The Warp Pipe" • "Strange New World" • "The Darklands" • "Welcome to the Mushroom Kingdom" • "2 Player Game" • "The Mushroom Council" • "The Plumber and the Peach" • "Platforming Princess" • "World 1-1" • "The Adventure Begins" • "Peaches" • "Lost and Crowded" • "Imprisoned" • "Courting the Kongs" • "Drivin' Me Bananas" • "Rumble in the Jungle" • "Karts!" • "Practice Makes Perfect" • "Buckle Up" • "Rainbow Road Rage" • "Blue Shelled" • "An Indecent Proposal" • "The Belly of the Beast" • "Fighting Tooth and Veil" • "Tactical Tanooki" • "Mario Brothers Rap" • "Grapple in the Big Apple" • "Superstars" •The Super Mario Brothers" • "Bonus Level" • "Level Complete"
Licensed music"Battle Without Honor or Humanity" • "No Sleep till Brooklyn" • "L'Amour Est Un Oiseau Rebelle (Habanera)" • "Holding Out for a Hero" • "Take On Me" • "Thunderstruck" • "Mr. Blue Sky"
Other music"Attack! Fury Bowser" • "DK Rap" • "Wedding March"
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