This Earth Day, April 22nd, we’re celebrating the 25th-anniversary of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, a park that has provided us with countless memories and breathtaking glimpses into the world of creatures great and small. Since its opening on April 22, 1998, the park has been dedicated to the conservation and appreciation of animals, showcasing a diverse array of species from around the globe. In honor of the 25th anniversary milestone, we’ve compiled a list of our 25 favorite animals you can find at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
25 Animals for Disney’s Animal Kingdom 25th Anniversary
- African Elephant – The largest land animal on Earth, African elephants are a must-see aboard the Kilimanjaro Safaris. With their incredible size, intelligence, and social nature, these gentle giants never fail to impress. And to see them bathing is a surreal Jungle Cruise moment!
2. Okapi – Resembling a mix between a zebra and a giraffe, the elusive okapi can be found in the park’s Pangani Forest Exploration Trail as well as the savannah in Kilimanjaro Safaris.
3. Western Lowland Gorilla – One of two Critically Endangered subspecies of the Western Gorilla, Animal Kingdom is home to two troops of Western Lowland Gorillas. Trek through Gorilla Exploration falls to find them interacting with one another and their environment.
4. White Rhinoceros – Though critically endangered, white rhinoceroses can still be seen on the park’s Kilimanjaro Safaris, showcasing their size and strength.
5. Giraffe – The park’s reticulated and Masai giraffes can be found gracefully strolling through the savanna, effortlessly capturing guests’ hearts (and camera lenses!).
6. Cheetah – As the fastest land animal on Earth, the cheetah is a crowd favorite. You can find them prowling (or mostly napping) within their habitat on Kilimanjaro Safaris.
7. African Lion – The regal African lion can be seen lounging and surveying its territory on Kilimanjaro Safaris, leaving guests in awe of its majesty. You might even get to hear their powerful roar, which can be heard from 5 miles away!
8. Hippopotamus – These massive, water-loving animals can be found submerged in the rivers of the park’s Kilimanjaro Safaris and Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail, where you can catch an underwater view of them!
9. Meerkat – The curious and social meerkats can be found at the park’s Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail, entertaining guests with their antics.
10. Spotted Hyena – Known for their laugh and possessing one of the strongest bites of any mammal, you can find the Spotted Hyena on Kilimanjaro Safaris. Did you know Hyena clans are female-led?
11. Komodo Dragon – These impressive reptiles, the largest lizards in the world, can be found within the park’s Maharajah Jungle Trek.
12. Sumatran Tiger – The stunning Sumatran tiger, an endangered species, can be spotted within the park’s Maharajah Jungle Trek in Asia. Whether they’re napping or playing, these beauties always steal the spotlight.
13. Black Swan – The elegant black swan can be found swimming gracefully through the park’s Discovery River waterways.
14. Naked Mole Rat – These tiny pink rodents are some of the smallest critters found at Animal Kingdom. Found within the research center of Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail, here you can watch them traverse their dark, “underground” tunnels using their very fine hairs as sensors as they are virtually blind.
15. Ring-tailed Lemur – These fascinating primates, native to Madagascar, can be found at the park’s Discovery Island Trails.
16. Asian Small-Clawed Otter – These playful and curious creatures can be seen splashing around in their habitat within the park’s Oasis. Did you know Otters possess the thickest fur of any animal?
17. Southern Giant Anteaters – With their long, cylindrical snouts, Anteaters have an incredible sense of smell – up to 40 times stronger than humans! Find them within the Oasis area before adventuring through the park.
18. Siamang – The siamang, a type of gibbon, can be heard singing and seen swinging through the trees at the park’s Maharajah Jungle Trek.
19. Kangaroo – Native to Australia, you can find two types of Kangaroo within the Tree of Life photo area of the park – the Red Kangaroo and the Western Grey Kangaroo.
20. Bongo – These striking antelopes, known for their beautiful spiral horns, can be spotted at the park’s Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail, gracefully navigating their forested habitat.
21. Shark Catfish – Perhaps one of the more lesser-known creatures of the park, the freshwater Paroon Shark Catfish can grow up to 10 feet long. Say hello to Animal Kingdom’s resident Shark Catfish (appropriately named Bruce!) next time you visit the Tree of Life Garden.
22. Scarlet Macaw – These vibrant and intelligent parrots can be spotted flying overhead or perched on branches around Discovery Island, adding a splash of color to the park.
23. Malayan Flying Fox Bat – Check out these spooky cuties on your next adventure through the Maharajah Jungle Trek. Malayan Flying Foxes are among the largest bats in the world with a wingspan of up to 6 feet. While many bats are nocturnal, these guys are most active at dusk and dawn. You’ll mostly find them fanning, grooming, or stretching their wings throughout the day.
24. Nile Crocodile – Ancient ancestors of the animal kingdom, these powerful predators can be observed basking on the banks of the river in Kilimanjaro Safaris, showcasing their impressive size and sinister smiles.
25. Flamingo – The iconic pink flamingo can be found wading throughout the park’s waterways, adding a touch of whimsy to the landscape. And check out their Hidden Mickey island on Kilimanjaro Safaris!
The Circle of Life
Disney’s Animal Kingdom has provided a unique opportunity for millions of guests to learn about and appreciate the beauty and diversity of our planet’s wildlife. As we celebrate the park’s 25th anniversary this coming Earth Day, we are reminded of the importance of conservation and the ongoing efforts to protect these incredible creatures and their habitats. This Earth Day, join us in celebrating a happy 25th anniversary to Disney’s Animal Kingdom and its amazing menagerie.
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