animals

News

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Welcomes Hyenas to the Kilimanjaro Safaris Savanna

Guests visiting Kilimanjaro Safaris at Disney's Animal Kingdom can now spot two hyenas on the savanna. The animals were recently introduced to the savanna and are currently on display for brief periods of time while they adjust to their new habitat.

Disneynature’s ‘Monkey Kingdom’ Opens in Theaters on April 17, 2015

The sixth theatrical release from Disneynature, Monkey Kingdom, tells the story of new mom Maya, a blonde bobbed monkey in the jungles of South Asia.

The film is set among the ancient ruins in the jungle where Maya welcomes her first son, Kip, into the family. It follows Maya's story as she and her family are forced to relocate when then home at Castle Rock is taken over by neighboring monkeys.

Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund Names 2014 Disney Conservation Heroes

The Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund has recently honored 19 individuals with the Disney Conservation Hero Award for 2014.

Disney Donates $250K To IFAW

Disney, always known for their charitable gifts, has done it again: recently, the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund donated $250,000 to the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) to support that fund's efforts to rescue animals in the wake of disasters and to make sure their personnel are equipped to do such work.

The IFAW is known to be among the first to respond for animal rescue when a disaster strikes.

Zebras To Be Finale of Safaris at Animal Kingdom

It may seem hard to believe that zebras haven't been a part of Animal Kingdom's Kilimanjaro Safaris for a few years. But that won't be the case much longer as Disney is slowly reintroducing the white-and-black striped animals to the theme park's savanna where they will be featured in the finale for the safari attraction.

A herd of fifteen zebras have called the backstage, behind-the-scenes areas of AK home since February and have been acclimating to the new surroundings since. The zebras, of the Plains variety, are all female and range in age from five to ten years old.

Animal Kingdom Welcomes New Baby Rhino

Disney's Animal Kingdom family became a little larger this month with the addition of a new baby rhino. Kendi, a 13-year-old white rhino, gave birth to a healthy male calf on May 4.

The new baby, which has yet to be named, is the ninth rhino born at Animal Kingdom; his mother was the first. Guests can catch a glimpse of the newest rhino and his mom when they return to the herd in a few weeks.

According to Jackie Ogden, Ph.D., vice president of Animals, Science and Environment for Disney Parks:

Forum Posts

Articles

Disney's Animal Kingdom Welcomes New Baby Gorilla

The Animal Programs team at Disney's Animal Kingdom has proudly announced a new addition to the Western Lowland Gorilla family group! Born on August 7th, 2014 to mother Azizi and silverback dad Gino, the healthy and yet to be named infant has already become and cherished part of his family.

5 Popular Photos to Get at Disney's Animal Kingdom

Today we're pulling some photo tips out of the archive to revisit our series on "must have" pictures. The park of the day is Disney's Animal Kingdom. This is a beautiful park for photography with so much color and texture around it's difficult to take a bad picture. There are a few shots on themes that I seem to come across over and over in the Disney Blog-o-sphere, these popular location capture the essence of the Park.

Head Out on a New Adventure as a Wilderness Explorer at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Just like Russell in Disney/Pixar's UP, young guests at the Animal Kingdom can become a Wilderness Explorer.

The Wilderness Explorer experience gives kids - and grown-ups - the opportunity to discover all the natural surroundings of the Animal Kingdom while working toward earning one or more of the more than 30 badges available.

Rafiki’s Planet Watch at Disney's Animal Kingdom

Did you know that Disney's Animal Kingdom is an active participant in Species Survival Plans for dozens of endangered animals? The role of promoting species conservation is something they take seriously, and hand in hand with other zoological facilities, wildlife organizations and government agencies Disney works hard towards rehabilitation and reintroduction of endangered and threatened species. Climb Aboard the Wildlife Express Train to Rafiki's Planet Watch on your next visit to Disney's Animal Kingdom for a closer look.

Disney Cruise Line's Castaway Ray’s Stingray Adventure

Disney Cruise Line guests clamor for all the time they can get relaxing and enjoying the Caribbean air on DCL's private island, Castaway Cay. When not soaking up the sun or enjoying a meal of delicious BBQ, one of the most popular activities with island guests is the exciting opportunity to swim and interact with Southern Stingrays in a private lagoon.

Oaxacan Wood Carvings in Epcot's Mexico

One of the most beautiful and delightful parts of the Mexican Pavilion at Walt Disney World's Epcot has got to be "Animales Fantasticos." Located in the entrance hall of the Temple building, guests can't help but linger in the Gallery of Mexican Folk Art. This the collection of colorful Oaxacan woodcarvings, is both an enchanting display of skilled craftsmanship and a wonderful idea for a souvenir or gift for someone back home.

Three Fantastic African Safaris at Walt Disney World Resort

Kilimanjaro Safaris, located at Disney's Animal Kingdom is one of the parks most popular regular attractions. A favorite for guests of all ages, it takes on a trip through the Harambe Wildlife Reserve. You can board a rugged open-sided safari vehicle that will transport you on a unique expedition snaking through a wildlife preserve where with a little Disney magic the animals seemingly roam free. You'll be treated to up close views of cheetah, giraffe, zebras, lions, rhinos and elephants just to name a few.

Maharaja Jungle Trek and Pangani Forest Trail

Animal Kingdom is a park where one can really stop and savor the atmosphere and the beautiful animals. Two places that are great for taking it slow are the Maharajah Jungle Trek and the Pangani Forest Exploration Trail.