At the South Pole, the walruses install a rule of terror for the penguins. Tommy and his sister travel to the Equator, where legend says a jungle 'penguin warrior' and his six companions live, who can come rescue them. Tiger-striped bird 'tiger' Maurice is flattered and accepts the task. After recruiting gorilla Miguel, warthog Fred, frogs Bob and Al plus tarsier Gilbert, they set out. On the way they meet and recruit bat Batricia. After a long journey, they arrive in Antarctica and take on the giant bullies.

Scientist Will Rodman is determined to find a cure for Alzheimer's, the disease which has slowly consumed his father. Will feels certain he is close to a breakthrough and tests his latest serum on apes, noticing dramatic increases in intelligence and brain activity in the primate subjects – especially Caesar, his pet chimpanzee.