In an early version of the film's opening scene, the school's auditorium was going to serve as the location where young Judy Hopps and her peers perform in a "Zootopia Pride Day" play about the founding of their city, Zootopia. Fawn and Jaguar play a wild prey and predator and explain the history of mammal evolution. For the next act, Judy is part of a singing group, also consisting of Roary, Woody, and Sally, who perform in a musical number about the city and the opportunities it provides. Judy objects to her part in the song where she is meant to sing about wanting to grow carrots, saying she may have bigger aspirations in life that are not associated with carrots or rabbits. Mrs. Armadillo tells her that certain mammals are just better at some things than others, and that her dreams should be realistic. Warren then alerts Mrs. Armadillo that Bobby Catmull is stuck in a tree. The students and faculty make their way outside and watch as Bobby is saved when he is guided down to safety with a laser pointer by Judy.
In the final film, the play's location was moved to a barn at the Carrot Days Festival, and became part of the festival's talent show rather than a school play for Zootopia Pride Day.
Additionally, Judy's hometown was changed from Zootopia to Bunnyburrow.
