On the surface, Walt Disney World may seem like just another typical amusement park and tourist attraction in Orlando, FL. However, what the outside eye might not know is that Disney has it’s own open-air safari and zoo found within the Animal Kingdom park. Guests are transported to an African Savanna experience that covers over 100-acres on the Kilimanjaro Safari found in Disney’s own backyard.

Throughout the park, guests can get up close and personal with over 50 different species of animals. One of Animal Kingdom’s main goals is to educate the public about animals they might never encounter outside of the park. Along with animal education, Walt Disney World also has their own conservation program which was founded in 1995. Since then, Disney has gifted over $75 million dollars to various organizations in hopes over saving endangered species and protecting wildlife.

The Animals…

One way guests can experience the beauty of the animals found throughout the park is by watching the Winged Encounters show where six species of South American macaw parrots take flight. However, this show wouldn’t be possible without the help Animal Kingdom’s resident bird care experts who help to train and take care of the animals.

“They are seriously great animals to work with. It takes a lot of commitment and we get to know each of the birds really well as we spend most of time with them during training sessions and the show,” said Meg, one of the parrots’ care experts, “I really love my job here at Animal Kingdom because it is like being able to enjoy the experiences of having a parrot without the responsibilities.”

The macaws fly against their own free will as they are trained with positive reinforcement.

The People…

Without the experts, trainers, and guides working behind the scenes everyday to ensure the animals well-being while still an environment for the tourists, Animal Kingdom would not be able to operate as smoothly as it does.

Tiffani is apart of the Animal Sciences and Environment team at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and her role is to help educate guests about the different animals, such as the gorillas and okapis, and the different habitats found on the property.

“It is hard to pick my favorite part about working here,” said Tiffani. “However, I love the moments were someone gets that 'aha’ moment. When I am talking about a conservation method, what we do here, even if it is just a simple fact about the animals and their behaviors, the ‘oh how cool’ moment is by far my favorite part of my job.”

One of the animal species found on the trails in Animal Kingdom is the silverback gorilla. Although the grey coloring on the animal’s back might seem like a sign of old age, it is actually a symbol for maturity once they get to around 13-years-old. In order for the gorillas to feel at home, Disney conducted intensive research while designing the animal’s habitat at Gorilla Falls Trail. The gorillas are also provided enrichment in order to offer them “real choices” like in the wild, said Tiffani.

“We don’t necessarily get hands on with the gorillas. We really want them to interact with each other and their own habitat,” said Tiffani.

Drivers on the Kilimanjaro Safari also play a pivotal role in enhancing the experience of the guests as well as educating about the animals, their habitats, and various conservation efforts. For the past two years, Devon has worked as a safari driver at Animal Kingdom.

“I’ve always had a passion for animals and this is like my dream job,” said Devon. “I love witnessing people’s reactions as they see these animals for the first time. The safari is a great way for people to get really personal with animals that might never see before, so I think its an important part to the park.”