American missionary doctors Phillip and Betsy Ames, portrayed by Michael Shannon and Betsey Paul, venture to the African kingdom of Tigora with their young daughter, Janet, played by Kirsty Lindsey. Their mission is to explore the healing properties of the soil in the Zambouli tribal region; however, tragedy strikes when a cave within Gudjara Mountain collapses, leading to their untimely deaths. The Zambouli's female Shaman, Elizabeth of Toro, takes in the now orphaned Janet, proclaiming that the prophecy of a "golden god-child" emerging from the sacred mountain to safeguard the tribe has been fulfilled. The Zambouli rejoice as the Shaman names the child Sheena, which means Queen of the Jungle.
As years pass, the young blonde girl grows into a strong woman, now skillfully portrayed by Tanya Roberts. She learns to ride a zebra named Marika and masterfully practices archery, a valued tradition among the Zambouli people. Meanwhile, Prince Otwani, played by Trevor Thomas, returns to Tigora after his stint in professional football in the United States. On his arrival in the capital of Azan, Otwani discovers that Gudjara Mountain is rich in the precious mineral titanium and is driven by greed to exploit this resource. Determined to gain control over the realm, he devises a nefarious plan to assassinate his brother, King Jabalani, portrayed by Clifton Jones, who has always safeguarded the rural Zambouli lands from mining exploitation. Sensing impending danger, the Shaman rushes to warn the king.
Within the opulent royal residence, Countess Zanda, played by France Zobda, who is a duplicitous fiancée, colludes with Otwani, who she is romantically involved with, to plot King Jabalani's demise. After learning about the Shaman's presence in the city, Zanda orchestrates her arrest, intending to frame her for the king's murder. While imprisoned, the Shaman reaches out to summon Sheena telepathically.
Concurrently, American sports reporter Vic Casey, portrayed by Ted Wass, alongside his cameraman Fletcher played by Donovan Scott, arrives in Tigora to cover a story about Prince Otwani. During an elaborate banquet at the royal palace, chaos ensues when King Jabalani is struck down by an arrow, with Fletcher capturing the turmoil on film as Otwani feigns sorrow over his brother's demise.
Upon reviewing their footage, Vic and Fletcher uncover that the assassin used a concealed steel crossbow to kill the king, not a Zambouli bow as claimed by Countess Zanda. Intrigued, Vic decides to interview the Shaman in prison but arrives just as Sheena, utilizing her zebra, elephant, and chimpanzee companions, executes a daring rescue. Awestruck by the scene, Vic and Fletcher follow the duo deeper into the jungle.
The next day, the group encounters danger when Otwani instructs his henchman, Colonel Jorgenson, to capture Sheena, the Shaman, and the inquisitive reporters. During an intense confrontation in the jungle, Sheena, commanding a pride of lions, encounters Vic and Fletcher, urging them to retreat. Yet, as she and Vic share a moment of mutual curiosity, she quickly recognizes his intentions are not hostile and creates a safe place for them to wait.
Sheena soon returns to aid her mentor, the Shaman, who ultimately succumbs to her injuries. Despite the growing threats, Sheena leads Vic and Fletcher on a journey toward Zambouli territory, together growing closer amidst the turmoil. However, communication lines are severed by Otwani, leaving Fletcher unable to send their critical footage out of the country.
Upon reaching Z'kuru, the initial Zambouli village, they are horrified to witness the devastation wrought by Jorgenson's soldiers. Determined to fight back, Sheena and Vic devise a plan to ignite the enemy's fuel tanks, but a helicopter intervenes. In a gripping moment, Sheena's fierce instincts prompt her to protect her beloved zebra and lead to a showdown involving Jorgenson and his men.
As they are captured, Vic manages to convince Otwani he's willing to trade incriminating footage of the king's murder for Zambouli freedom. However, Zanda, in a desperate attempt to solidify her hold, orders Sheena thrown over a waterfall from a helicopter. With a display of her telepathic prowess, Sheena calls upon flamingos to distract the pilot, leading to Zanda's fatal mishap.
Freed, Sheena rallies the Zambouli to defend against Otwani's forces. With the king's assassination conspiracy unveiled, the Zambouli rise under Sheena's leadership against their oppressors. In a climactic battle, Jorgenson's soldiers, cornered and overwhelmed by wild animals and the Zambouli warriors, retreat in defeat. Sheena pursues Otwani, ultimately avenging her people by ending his reign.
Despite his injuries, Vic is saved as Sheena and the Zambouli administer the healing soil to him. Their love intensifies as Vic contemplates whisking Sheena away to New York City, but ultimately he recognizes the exploitation that awaits. As they part ways, they declare their love, with Vic vowing to return one day.
