I was flying around Un'Goro, and this has to be the saddest thing I've ever seen.

This explains who/what Dadanga was/is. Back before cata it was a Kodo that was in Un'goro and you would bring it those fruits as a quest. Apparently she died during the chaos. He had been there for a long time prior.

The character is a reference to the Legend of Zelda boss Dodongo, who hates smoke.