Zarude is a simian Pokémon resembling a baboon or mandrill. Its body is primarily covered in coarse black fur, though its chest and belly are patterned with shorter gray fur. Its upper snout, palms, and rings around its eyes are devoid of fur, and its skin is a light gray. The fur around the side of its head angles into wing-like crests on either side of its eyes. The eyes themselves have red sclerae, green irises, and black, slitted pupils. Its teeth are pointed and its canines are visible when its mouth is closed.
Zarude can extend prehensile vines from its wrists, neck, and the soles of its feet at will. It uses these vines to attack, swing from trees, and collect food from a distance. Zarude’s vines can also rapidly heal wounds when wrapped around them and absorb energy from trees. While resting, only the tips of the vines at Zarude's neck and feet extend beyond its skin. However, the vines extending from Zarude's wrists are typically wrapped around its forearms in four concentric rings. Occasionally, Zarude's vines tear off and become nutrients for the soil of the forests it lives in.
While Zarude are usually aggressive and territorial, they occasionally exhibit a softer side. A Zarude named 'Dada' wearing a pink ripped cape bearing Celebi's National Pokédex number split from its pack to raise and nurture an orphaned human infant. It's said that this Zarude derived a unique strength from its bond with the adopted human child. Zarude are social and live in packs. They're usually incredibly aggressive, and frighten most other Pokémon; excelling in battle with their sharp claws and quick wit. However, Zarude occasionally exhibit a softer side.
