The Experience: Seeing animals on the safari

The Trick: Clever placement of the salt licks

Image: DisneyWhen Disney created the pathways for the attraction’s driving range, they had to guarantee that the animals would stay in sight of the humans on the safari. What would happen if Disney hosted dozens of safaris each hour but the animals didn’t visit? It would be the most boring ride ever constructed, not the greatest way to sell a new theme park.

Alas, many of the creatures Disney introduced to the Animal Kingdom habitat are skittish by nature, particularly in the presence of people, who don’t have the greatest track record about treating exotic animals well. You’re starting to appreciate the scope of the undertaking that is Kilimanjaro Safaris. Despite not being a ride in any conventional sense, it’s legitimately in the conversation for most challenging theme park attraction ever built.

Image: DisneyDisney attacked the problem in a novel way. They compiled a list of the best zookeepers and animal experts in the world and promptly hired as many as they could. It was an unprecedented compilation of talent, and these behavioral experts developed tricks to lure animals near the tracks. Eagle-eyed theme park tourists can see salt licks, watering holes, hay/grass, and sugar stashes at various points along the safari.

These items are the bait. Without them, the residents of Kilimanjaro Safaris would avoid the vehicle paths. And on hot days, you may notice the residents hanging out at specific rocks. They’re fake ones that hide air-conditioning units. The animals have learned which ones keep them cool during the dog days of summer.

The Experience: Populating the Noah’s Ark of theme park attractions

The Trick: Choosing animals that wouldn’t kill each other on sight

Image: DisneyFor the safari to work perfectly, it needs a wide range of animals. Otherwise, riders would get bored seeing the same species frolic repeatedly. Disney’s new zookeepers worked with famous Imagineer Joe Rohde, the project leader, to identify the most fantastic beasts for the safari. They had strange criteria for populating their land with creatures, though.

Disney needed animals that would, in fact, frolic. Sedentary creatures are great for pictures, but they’re not good for safari entertainment. Diet and waste processing were other considerations. Some animals eat foods that aren’t conveniently available in central Florida, making them impractical residents. Others are messy with their *ahem* food redistribution.

Disney generally preferred more hygienic creatures, although they did make some exceptions. As an example, the elephants are a highlight of the safari, but unlucky cast members have to clean up literally tons of poop each day. Nobody wants that job. Still, Rohde and his team found a way to turn the messes into a positive. The elephant dung gets recycled as fertilizer at other parts of Walt Disney World.

Image: DisneyOther factors in choosing animals involved routine and behavior. Some creatures have a tendency to wander, which is the quickest way to get eaten. Disney spent a lot of money importing their animals, and so they needed safeguards in place to prevent unwanted, possibly fatal roaming. Some of the cliffs, trees, and ponds are natural ways that Disney keeps the creatures in their respective habitats. The range also includes electric fences for animals who aren’t deterred by the usual hazards.

As for behavior, some critters just don’t get along. Zebras are the most famous example, as they have added an unwelcome amount of excitement to Kilimanjaro Safaris. Disney trumpeted the addition of plains zebras in 2012 before removing them a few months later. Their continued presence is a divisive issue because zebras have a tendency to fight one another…or the ride vehicles. Yes, zebras didn’t deal with the change and tried to ram a few oversized cars. Disney has since moved them to a different, safer part of the habitat.