As Ursula Stanhope (Leslie Mann) embarks on an adventurous journey through the lush landscapes of Burundi, accompanied by her guide Kwame, the trio of porters adds to the excitement. Unexpectedly, she has a reunion with her soon-to-be husband, Lyle van de Groot, whose mission is to transport her away from this exotic paradise. However, he is not alone; he is flanked by poachers, Max and Thor, who have secretive plans of their own as they pursue Ursula. Amidst their escapades, Kwame entertains the group with captivating tales about the mythical "White Ape," a legendary creature believed to reign over the jungle from the heights of Ape Mountain.
Driven by curiosity, Ursula insists on seeking out the elusive White Ape. Acquiescing to her request, Lyle enters the dense jungle with her but their expedition takes a perilous turn when a lion attacks. In a panic, Lyle injures himself in an attempt to escape, rendering him unconscious. Fortunately, George, the King of the Jungle, heroically rescues Ursula and brings her to his treehouse home.
As Ursula recuperates, she discovers a newfound affection for the gentle giant, George, and his whimsical companions: Ape, the charming talking gorilla, Shep, the elephant with an unmistakable dog-like personality, and Tookie, the lively toucan providing jungle gossip. With her feelings for George deepening, her desire to return to her old life is starting to diminish.
Eventually, Lyle, along with Max and Thor, arrives at the treehouse, met with Ursula's cold reception due to Lyle's cowardice during the lion encounter. Their attempt to seize Shep for his ivory fails spectacularly when Ape intervenes, creating chaos as they witness the talking ape's defensive antics. This frenzy spurs Max and Thor to devise a plan to tranquilize Ape and capture him.
Unfazed by Lyle's dishonorable actions, George leaps into action to thwart their scheme but is accidentally shot by Lyle, who wrongly identified his novelty lighter as a weapon. Following the incident, George is apprehended, while Max and Thor get deported, although their ambitions to capture Ape remain unscathed.
Ursula accompanies George to San Francisco for his treatment, and as she attends her responsibilities, George explores the urban landscape. His vine-swinging adventures lead him to save someone trapped in a paraglider at the Bay Bridge. Complications arise as Ursula’s mother, Beatrice, learns about her daughter’s experiences and demands that the wedding to Lyle proceed, warning George to stay clear of their plans. At a party celebrating Ursula's marriage, tensions rise as Beatrice coldly reminds George that he will face dire consequences if he interferes.
Back in Burundi, Max and Thor manage to capture Ape using tranquilizers. In a desperate last effort, Ape sends Tookie to find George, prompting his swift return to the jungle. Despite facing obstacles, including a battle against Max and Thor, George develops resilience with the support of Ursula and his animal allies, ultimately liberating Ape.
Just when George thinks he has thwarted all danger, Lyle resurfaces. He has managed to escape prison and transformed into a legally ordained minister, seizing the opportunity to take Ursula to the river for a wedding ceremony. However, the ritual is disrupted by dangerous rapids threatening both Lyle and Ursula's lives. With the help of Shep and the gorillas, George springs into action, finding Ursula and rescuing her just as Lyle is swept away, unintentionally declaring his vows to a gorilla he mistakenly believes is Ursula.
As dawn breaks over the vibrant jungles of Burundi, George and Ursula's love flourishes during a joyful celebration that unites their worlds and the jungle’s extraordinary creatures. Their union culminates in a passionate kiss, symbolizing their commitment surrounded by the dazzling colors of nature.
In the years that follow, George and Ursula create their loving sanctuary in a treehouse, where they welcome their son, George Jr., into their lives. As they introduce him to the wondrous animal kingdom of the jungle from the majestic Pride Rock, their love story becomes a legacy, having triumphed over adversity.
In a delightful twist during the mid-credits scene, Ape, now a celebrated performer on the Las Vegas stage under the name “Ape-tastic,” embraces the spotlight, with Max and Thor as his enthusiastic sidekicks. The curtain closes, leaving audiences to appreciate that even the most unexpected souls can thrive in their newfound passions.
