Shakira Brings Gazelle Back With “Zoo,” Her Spanglish Anthem for Zootopia 2
When Shakira said “Las mujeres ya no lloran,” she meant it. A year after her record-breaking album Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran, the Colombian icon is back, this time lending her voice and songwriting talent to Disney’s Zootopia 2.
The new Spanglish single “Zoo” reunites Shakira with her on-screen alter ego, Gazelle, the confident, hip-swaying pop star who stole hearts back in 2016.
“Zoo” was written by Shakira alongside Ed Sheeran, Blake Slatkin, and Alex “A.C.” Castillo. It’s the first single from the upcoming film, out November 26, and fans already heard a snippet in the latest Zootopia 2 trailer.
Shakira’s “Zoo” Brings Spanglish Energy and a Feel-Good Message
In “Zoo,” Shakira delivers what she does best: a global anthem infused with rhythm, warmth, and cultural pride. The track is mostly in English, with a touch of Spanish towards the end. Lyrics like “Es una fiesta que sube como la espuma / Yo por ti iré hasta la luna de ida y vuelta” remind listeners why Shakira remains one of the biggest Latine stars of her generation.
The track’s percussion and upbeat rhythm echo her Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) era, pairing infectious energy with an uplifting message about embracing love, diversity, and joy. The chorus—an earworm built around the catchy line “a zoo, ooh-ooh”—cements the song as a playful yet empowering pop anthem.
The single was featured prominently in Zootopia 2’s trailer, where Shakira’s character Gazelle once again performs in front of a packed, animated audience.
Shakira’s Return as Gazelle Feels Full-Circle
Shakira confirmed her comeback as Gazelle on social media earlier this year. “I’m so ready for Zootopia 2! And guess what? Gazelle is back!” she wrote. “So grateful to have worked with Ed Sheeran on the creation of this exciting new original song! Can’t wait for the premiere!”
Her connection to the role goes back to 2016. In an interview with Entertainment Tonight, Shakira said she felt identified with Gazelle because the character was “opinionated like me” and had many aspects of her own personality. She also influenced Gazelle’s design, suggesting that the character “put some meat on the bones” because “she needs some hips.”
In the first Zootopia, Gazelle’s anthem “Try Everything,” written by Sia and Stargate, became one of Disney’s most successful songs of the 21st century. It earned a Grammy nomination and a spot on Billboard’s list of the best Disney songs of the modern era.
“Zoo” Shows How Shakira Continues to Redefine Pop Stardom
“Zoo” marks another milestone in Shakira’s 30-year career, one that continues to blur borders between languages, genres, and generations. Her ability to seamlessly blend English and Spanish lyrics feels natural and universal, a reflection of how global pop now reflects her bilingual artistry.
The song’s sonic blend of Latin percussion, electronic guitar chords, and euphoric vocals celebrates unity and movement, both literally and figuratively. It’s the kind of sound only Shakira could pull off.
Meanwhile, Zootopia 2—produced by Mexican American filmmaker Yvett Merino (Encanto)—is set to hit theaters on November 26. The sequel follows rookie cops Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde as they face a new villain, Gary De’Snake, voiced by Oscar-winning Ke Huy Quan.
For now, though, it’s Shakira’s voice that sets the tone for Disney’s next big adventure.
