Duma

Duma is the title character of Disney's 1989 live-action film Cheetah. She is an orphaned baby cheetah that was adopted by the two main protagonists, Ted and Susan, after the death of her mother. She is later captured and forced to run against greyhounds in a dog race.

Her vocal effects were provided by Joe Herrington.

Personality
Because she was brought up like a pet, Duma has no idea how to be a real wild cheetah.

Role
An abandoned baby Duma is found by two American teenagers, Ted and Susan and their native friend, Morogo. Morogo informs Ted that her mother is dead and that she was skinned by a poacher. When Susan learns of this, she immediately wants to adopt her. Although the others think that's crazy, she thinks it's the only way for her to survive.

Just before the kids are to head for home and a new school year, Duma is captured by a nefarious storekeeper planning to who has a gambling scheme to race her against greyhounds. The kids, who have been trying to prepare Duma for a return to life in the wild, are certain there has been foul play. So they miss their flight home and, while their unsuspecting parents are still waving at the plane, set out on a journey - with Morogo's help - into the wild to prove their suspicions.

Trivia

 * "Duma" means "cheetah" in Swahili.
 * She is unrelated to the 2005 Warner Bros adventure movie Duma, which also involves a cheetah.