This was a partial reason for creating the Mammal Inclusion Initiative, as creating opportunities for prey meant winning the favor among the majority of Zootopia. Though he is truthful in this regard, this probably indicates that he sees no harm in committing illegal acts if it's for the sake of something he values.
Lionheart is first introduced during the graduation ceremony of Meanwhile, Zootopia faces a crisis: various predator mammals across the city have lost sanity and become mindlessly aggressive, violent and "savage". Lionheart tends to justify his questionable decisions by claiming them to have been done for the greater good, as evidenced by him rather casually claiming that his illegal imprisonment of the afflicted predators was "a classic doing the wrong thing for the right reason kind of a deal". As a result, she can often fumble, which occasionally annoys Lionheart to the point of lashing out, going as far as calling Bellwether derogatory names, making him seem cold and cruel to his inferiors. This was also a partial reason for his illegal imprisonment of the savage predators; during the confidential operation, Lionheart is directly advised to come forward due to the urgency of the situation, though he refuses, alluding to his fear of losing his job as a result of prey citizens (the majority of the populous) revolting against having a predator as their mayor. The cause of the outbreak is yet to be discovered, with Lionheart being one of the only citizens to have knowledge of this. As his name suggests, he is the mayor of the eponymous city. Though he is truthful in this regard, this heavily implies that he sees no harm in committing illegal acts if it's for the sake of something he values. Nevertheless, Lionheart at least makes attempts to keep his temper and show compassion towards those who assist him. Alexander Duda.
Despite this, he remains in jail since he technically is still a criminal as he was involved with illegal experimentation and jailing. Lionheart tends to justify his negative traits by claiming them to have been done for the greater good.
When angered, Lionheart becomes an imposing figure, which makes him a feared individual to those who work closely enough with him to witness this side. He is voiced by J.K. Simmons who is best known for voicing as Ford Pines from Gravity Falls and Kai from Kung Fu Panda 3. Lionheart warns Judy of the danger that the savage outbreak holds, and if a cure can't be found, it could lead to the destruction of Zootopia; his words are dismissed, and Lionheart is subsequently removed from office. His will to ensure all mammals are treated equally within his city supports this, as his goals are primarily focused on keeping his citizens, and the city itself, safe. He orders his assistant to cancel his afternoon to allow him time to visit the asylum for updates (though the latter half remained confidential), and that night, he aggressively confronts Dr. Honey Badger on her failure to find a cure, despite the predators having turned weeks prior. "Courageous, strong, loyal; truly the lion is king of the jungle—or at the very least, the mayor of it." Lionheart is first introduced alongside his assistant, Meanwhile, Zootopia faces a crisis: various predator mammals across the city have lost their sanity and become mindlessly aggressive, violent, and "savage".
Nevertheless, Lionheart at least makes attempts to keep his temper, and show compassion towards those who assist him. When angered, Lionheart becomes an imposing figure, using his size and ferocious lion image for intimidation, which makes him a feared individual to those who work closely enough with him to witness this side. Unknown to Lionheart, Bellwether holds a fierce grudge against him due to his treatment of her, and she secretly plots to someday exact revenge by taking over his position as mayor. In addition to dumping work on her, he sometimes pushes her aside when in public, stealing the spotlight.
Bellwether, meanwhile, rises to power in his place. This can be seen with Chief Bogo, who, despite being against some of Lionheart's political decisions, refrained from doing anything to upset the latter, even becoming visibly anxious when his name is brought into conversation. The entire operation was purposely kept under wraps, an illegal practice, though Lionheart's fear of civil unrest, should citizens learn the truth, keeps him from announcing the situation to the city. Lionheart also has Bellwether's office located in a small utility room with a loud water heater, with stacks of file boxes lining the wall outside her door.
Honey Badger suggests that biology may be to blame, implying her belief that the predators are simply reverting back to their primitive instincts, and that the best thing to do is tell the public.
Scientist Dr. Madge Honey Badger was hired to oversee the expairiments. Lionheart warns Judy of the danger that the savage outbreak holds, and if a cure is not found, it could lead to the destruction of Zootopia; his words are neverheless dismissed and he is subsquently imprisoned and removed from office. He is strictly intolerant of incompetence, especially during urgent matters.