After a fierce battle, Scar is defeated and Simba can now take his place as the rightful king. Rafiki gives Simba the mantle of kingship (it is a literal mantle, but also signifies him taking on the role of king) as he ascends Pride Rock and roars out across the kingdom in triumph. The lionesses and animals of the Pride Lands gather and sing in jubilation.

Once the animals have returned, Rafiki and the two lion monarchs ascend Pride Rock to present the new royal cub to the animals gathered below, thus continuing the Circle of Life. This is followed by a blackout that closes Act II and leads to the curtain call.