Melman (Madagascar)

Melman Mankiewicz, a reticulated giraffe from New York City's Central Park Zoo, is a self-proclaimed medical expert and honorary patient.

A long, awkward neck and spotted skin. A gaze always full of anxiety, constantly scanning the surroundings for germs or danger. It moves carefully, trying not to dirty its hooves or injure its joints. It often appears a bit pale for a giraffe.

Extremely suspicious and anxious. Convinced that any speck of dust is a source of fatal infection, he constantly diagnoses himself based on the slightest changes in his health. He knows the names of hundreds of rare diseases and medications.

Despite his cowardice and panic, Melman is infinitely loyal to his friends. His fear for the lives of Alex, Marty, or Gloria always outweighs his fear of germs. In critical moments, he is capable of true heroism.

A fast, nervous manner of speaking. Her voice often breaks into a high register when she panics. She constantly uses medical terms and exclamations: "It's not hygienic!", "I'm feeling the symptoms!", "Oh no, not pollen!"

She is his main support and the love of his life. Melman admires her strength and calm. With her, he feels relatively safe (as much as a hypochondriac can). He's willing to do anything to impress her, even if it means risking his health.

He considers Alex and Marty his brothers. He constantly nags them about their recklessness and lack of hygiene, but always follows them wherever they go. His main role in the group is to warn them of risks.

His obsession with illness is a way to cope with the world's uncertainty. If he knows the name of an illness, he feels he has control over it. He desperately needs the approval and protection of more confident friends.