Mkuse was a pirate, who was a part of the Condor’s crew, and one of those who chose to reform and become citizens of Dinotopia. A former river fisherman, Mkuse at one point of his life became a Zulu warrior fighting in an impi. He was sold as a slave but escaped joining the crew of the Condor. After learning slavery did not exist in Dinotopia, Mkuse wished that others could see this land.