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Tag Archives: Animal Kingdom

September 3

September 3, 2014 – A Western Lowland Gorilla is Born in Disney’s Animal Kingdom

G_DAK

“It’s exciting to see a strong, nurturing family of this endangered species flourishing at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.” – Animal Operations Manager for Disney’s Animal Programs Jay Therien

On September3, 2014, a western lowland male gorilla was born in Disney’s Animal Kingdom; this was the second birth of this gorilla species within the past month. The baby was born to mother Kashata and father Gino, with Gino also being the father of the gorilla born earlier in August. These arrivals mark the fourth and fifth gorillas born within Animal Kingdom, with the care and conservation done in partnership with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan.

July 28

July 28, 2010 – Disney’s Animal Kingdom Celebrates International Year of Biodiversity

YoB

“Biodiversity is essential to sustaining the living networks and systems that provide us with food, water, fuel, and the other things necessary for our survival.”

On July 28, 2010, to celebrate the International Day of Biodiversity, Disney’s Animal Kingdom held a special celebration at Rafiki’s Planet Watch. Special presentations were set up for guests to learn more about the ecosystem, including a meet-and-greet with different animal species, a presentation about agricultural sciences, and a display on the oceans.

July 16

July 16, 2011 – A Lesser Flamingo Chick is Hatched at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Lesser Flamingo

“You could say that less is more for a flamingo chick hatched at Disney’s Animal Kingdom…”

On July 16, 2011, a lesser flamingo chick hatched in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and was the first lesser flamingo to be born in the park’s wildlife reserve. The chick has an interesting backstory, as it hatched and was raised by a group of greater flamingos (a larger species of flamingo than that of the chick). The egg was laid in a habitat near the Tree of Life, and was part of the first laying of eggs by the lesser flamingo species within the park. A decision was made to move the egg to the habitat of the greater flamingos when it was discovered that the eggs the greaters had laid were nonviable. The foster parents then watched and incubated the egg for the remaining 11 days before it hatched, and continued to raise the chick among seven other greater flamingo chicks.

July 12

July 12, 2011 – Jiko Named A Best Wine Restaurant by Wine Enthusiast Magazine

Jiko Wine

“[Jiko] fuses the bold flavors of traditional African, Indian, and Mediterranean cuisine.”

On July 12, 2011, Jiko – The Cooking Place, one of Animal Kingdom’s restaurants, was named one of Wine Enthusiast Magazine’s 100 Best Wine Restaurants. The restaurant was honored for having of the largest selections of South African vintages within the United States, a collection that boasts other prestigious honors.

July 9

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July 9, 2010 – The Taste of Africa Street Party Takes Place in Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Taste Of Africa Street Party

“Our festival celebration brings nations from all over Africa together into the streets of Harambe.”

On July 9, 2010, the Taste of Africa Street Party took place in the Harambe Village area of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park in Walt Disney World. The party, taking place after the afternoon parade Mickey’s Jammin’ Jungle Parade, was similar to the International Food and Wine Festival in Epcot, with guests able to partake in samples of African dishes thanks to Disney restaurants Tusker House, Boma, and Sanaa; guests are also (if they are of age) able to go on a beer and wine tour of different South African wines and African beers. Guests were also serenaded by a live band and were able to check out stalls that introduced aspects of African culture. The Street Party ran for a limited time, ending its run on July 24.

March 31

March 31, 2001 – The Animal Kingdom Lodge Opens for Annual Passholders

DAKL

“Step into the heart of Africa at this magnificent Resort hotel.”

On March 31, 2001, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge opened for a special open house exclusively for Walt Disney World Annual Passholders, weeks before its official opening on April 16. The hotel, as do many other attractions and resorts, has an intriguing backstory: the lodge is based on a traditional African kraal, and was built on the top of an extinct volcano. Keeping with the theme of the park, the resort has many animals inhabiting the nearby savannah plains, including wildebeest and giraffes. The hotel has almost 1,300 rooms in six stories, and three restaurants: Jiko, Boma, and Mara.

March 8

March 8, 2008 – A Zebra is Born in Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Zebra Kidani

“Disney’s Animal Care team has been busy over the past two weeks with the births of two new bundles of joy.”

On March 8, 2008, the newest addition to Disney’s Animal Kingdom was born. The male Hartmann’s mountain zebra is the first of its kind born in Animal Kingdom and was named Kidani, and was named after the newest expansion to the Animal Kingdom Villas, named Kidani Village. Kidani was born through the collaboration work between Disney and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Population Management Plan’s conservation efforts.

March 1

March 1, 1999 – The Maharajah Jungle Trek Attraction Opens in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park

MJT

“Embark on a self-guided tour of Southeast Asia – home to tigers, fruit bats, dozens of species of birds and a flying fox.”

On March 1, 1999, the Maharajah Jungle Trek attraction opened in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park. Located in Asia, guests are sent into the Anandapur Royal Forest, a former hunting ground turned animal preserve, where they can encounter several types of animals. The area is part of Disney’s commitment to wildlife conservation, providing several endangered species a home with a natural environment, including waterfalls and other jungle flora and fauna. Guests are able to tour the area by themselves, exploring “abandoned temples” while seeing animals in their natural habitats.

February 19

February 19, 2010 – An Endangered Western Lowland Gorilla is Born in Walt Disney World’s Animal Kingdom

Gorilla

“The newborn gorilla is going well and has already become an integral part of the gorilla family group that includes first-time mother, Kashata, father Gino, and two other females.”

On February 19, 2010, a baby gorilla was born to Western Lowland Gorilla Kashata in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park. This was Kashata’s first baby, and the third gorilla born in the Animal Kingdom. Disney is working in partnership with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Species Survival Plan, which helps protect and manage threatened or endangered species. The baby was eventually named Lilly to honor the late scientist and vice president of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International, Dr. Alecia Lilly.

February 2

February 2, 2010 – An Endangered White-Cheeked Gibbon is Born in Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Gibbon

“Not all of the celebrating today is Super Bowl related.”

On February 2, 2010, the newest member of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, a white-cheeked gibbon, was born. The baby was the fourth gibbon born in the park, and was born to white-cheeked gibbon Melaka. The white-cheeked gibbon is an endangered species, and the birth was part of a survival effort by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, with which Disney’s Animal Kingdom is heavily involved. With gibbons producing offspring once every two to three years, it is important to protect this species from extinction.