Finding Animals Throughout the Park
During the warmer months, Disney's Animal Kingdom gives you plenty of chances to spot the 250+ species living throughout the park. Whether you're riding Kilimanjaro Safaris or walking the trails on foot, you'll encounter animals around almost every corner. The key is knowing where to look and when.
Walking the Trails
If you'd rather explore on foot, you've got solid options. Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail is home to meerkats, invertebrates, African birds, and the gorillas themselves. Over on Maharajah Jungle Trek, you can see Komodo dragons, flying foxes, Sumatran tigers, and various Asian birds. Around the Tree of Life, keep your eyes open for otters, flamingos, and Bruce, the paroon shark catfish who hangs out along the Discovery Island Trails.
Don't hesitate to ask Cast Members you spot along the trails or at Conservation Station about what you're seeing. They love sharing details about how the animals are cared for and what makes them tick.
Watching the Experts Work
Some of the best moments happen when you catch the Animal Care team in action. Throughout the day, you can watch feedings and training sessions:
- Flamingo feedings: 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. across from Island Mercantile
- Cotton-top tamarin training: 10 a.m. across from Creature Comforts
- Galápagos tortoise training: 12:30 p.m. behind the Tree of Life
Winged Encounters and the Tree of Life
Winged Encounters: The Kingdom Takes Flight happens multiple times throughout the day in front of the Tree of Life. You'll see macaws soar and swoop overhead, and it's genuinely one of the most striking moments you can catch at the park. Showtimes include 8:15 a.m. 9:15 a.m. 10:15 a.m. 11:15 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. Check the My Disney Experience app for the most current schedule.
The Australian Exhibit and Beyond
If you head to Conservation Station via the Wildlife Express Train, you'll find Jumping Junction, where you can see Australian animals like wallabies, kangaroos, and baby joeys. Guided walk-throughs with Disney's Animals, Sciences and Environment cast members give you the real story behind these animals. While you're there, Bluey's Wild World at Conservation Station lets you play games and hang out with Bluey and Bingo.
Hunting for Hidden Animals
Some animals aren't as easy to spot. Bruce the catfish hides around the Tree of Life, and Carly, a Reeve's muntjac, blends into the brush along the Oasis trails. Take the right path on the Oasis and look carefully on your left side for her. Animals rest during hot parts of the day and often stay in shaded or well-hidden spots, so patience helps.
On Kilimanjaro Safaris, every trip is different. Keep your camera ready the whole time because you really don't know what you'll encounter next.
Becoming a Wilderness Explorer
The free Wilderness Explorers program gives you an interactive way to explore the park. Pick up a handbook near the bridge between the Oasis and Discovery Island, then visit different troop leaders scattered through Africa, Asia, Pandora: The World of Avatar, and Conservation Station. You'll complete activities, learn about animals and conservation, and collect badges as you go.
Tips for Your Visit
Check the My Disney Experience app for trail hours, which can be different from park hours. If you don't see an animal right away, look more carefully. Many animals are just resting in the shade or hiding in plain sight. Remember that animals change their routines depending on the time of day, so what you see at 9 a.m. might be completely different from what's active at 3 p.m.
