Donkey Kong and other APES are characters from the popular video game series of the same name. The series was created by Nintendo in 1981 and has since become one of the most iconic video game franchises of all time. The main character, Donkey Kong, is an ape who must battle his way through various levels to save his beloved Pauline from the clutches of the villainous King K. Rool. Other APES featured in the series include Diddy Kong, Funky Kong, and Cranky Kong.