4. Endangered species re-introduction

Disney’s Animal Kingdom participated in the reintroduction of white rhinos in Uganda. The first white rhino birth in the park took place in 2006. This and another white rhino were transported to Uganda’s Ziwi Animal Sanctuary for gradual re-introduction into their natural habitat. White rhinos had previously been completely extinct in the area. In 2009, that baby rhino was full grown and had a baby of her own. This birth was the first for the species in Uganda in 25 years.

5. Species breeding programs

Disney’s Animal Kingdom is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). As such, it participates many projects designed to promote the safe management of animal species. Animal Kingdom is part of 34 Species Survival Plans. These managed breeding programs organized by the AZA strive to restore depleted animal populations.

6. Outstanding veterinary care

The veterinary hospital at Disney’s Animal Kingdom provides care to all the animals on property – both inside Animal Kingdom and elsewhere. If you’re there at the right time, you may even witness vets providing care for some of the animals that live here. Conservation Station literally offers a window into the backstage workings of the park.

Animal Program veterinarians at Animal Kingdom may spend most of their time doing routine procedures, but they’ve also done some out-of-the-ordinary work, including giving a fish an artificial eye, and removing a golf ball from a native snake found on a Disney golf course.

7. Education on a grand scale

The biggest difference between Disney’s Animal Kingdom and the other parks on property is its approach to the attractions. While rides and shows in other parks are primarily designed to provide a good time, those at Animal Kingdom always carry a deeper message. This park strives to make education and conservation entertaining, so it can spread the message to guests in an engaging manner that will really hit home.

If you pay attention, you’ll note that the attractions at Animal Kingdom nearly always spread a message about how important conservation is. On Kali River Rapids, you learn about the hazards of deforestation. Kilimanjaro Safaris, though watered down in its more recent incarnation, is the story of how dangerous poaching is in Africa. Even It’s Tough to Be a Bug encourages you to be a little kinder to buggy friends.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom strives to provide guests with an experience that, while entertaining, will also change the way they look at the world and encourage them to act as responsible stewards of future generations.