Animals at Disney's Animal KingdomAsian and African animals are spotlighted at this popular Disney park in Orlando, FLIn the slide show above, you're viewing pictures of Asian animals at Disney's Animal Kingdom Park in Orlando, Florida. African and Asian animals are spotlighted at this Disney theme park...and you'll get some really good views of your favorites along the park's walking trails and riding attractions. On this page, you'll see pictures of some of the Disney Animal Kingdom's top "crowd pleasing" animals! Animal attractions at Disney's Animal KingdomHere's a list; which will be your favorite animal exhibits?
When Walt Disney World is busy, wow...it's a zoo!But, there's ONE of WDW's theme parks that's a zoo 365 days a year---even after the crowds of visitors go home for the night! That's Disney's Animal Kingdom, a theme park which is part man-made rides & shows; and an even larger part is a zoo. A REAL zoo, that is. Featuring nature's finest, most interesting animals. You'll walk through some exhibits, and ride through others. But, either way, you'll learn--without even knowing it! That's because you'll meet many animal experts along the way who will answer your questions, and you'll see informative displays about specific animals, as well. What animal attractions are available at Disney's Animal Kingdom? Following, you'll find a checklist you'll want to use to make sure you've seen all of them. The 3 major animal attractions geared towards "all ages" are: 
1.) Kilimanjaro Safari Ride: You'll board a jeep-like vehicle and take a ride through the Animal Kingdom's large outdoor animal reserve. You'll see elephants (such as the baby elephant pictured to your right,) rhinos, hippos, antelopes, gazelles, flamingos...and lots more. So many, in fact, that an entire page has been devoted to the animal safari! Here's a link so you can view the animals on the Disney Animal Kingdom's Safari attraction. 2.) Pangani Forest Trail: If your safari tour has whetted your desire to see even MORE African animals, you'll want to walk along the Pangani Forest Exploration Trail, where you'll view other favorites...such as the Lowland Gorilla (pictured at the top of this page.) You'll view meerkats (like Timon!) plus okapi, monkeys, gorillas and more. 3.) Maharajah Jungle Trek: Asian animals are the focus of this walk-through exhibit at Disney's Animal Kingdom. You've already seen some of the Jungle trail's animals in the slide show above...and if these are some of your favorites, you'll definitely want to plan some time to take in this exhibit. You'll see bats, tigers, komodo dragons and other reptiles, tapirs, deer and antelope, and more. In addition, Disney's Animal Kingdom also features smaller animal exhibits scattered throughout all areas of the park. A major animal exhibit targeted towards young kids (called Rafiki's Planet Watch) is also ready and waiting for your enjoyment here. Tigers at Disney's Animal KingdomThe "Majarajah Jungle Trek" is where you'll find them!
Of course, since Disney's running this zoo, the park has some features that zoo's usually do NOT have.Elaborate decor is one of these features. Disney's Animal Kingdom has a large tiger compound, but you'll experience more than tigers. You'll enter faux "ancient ruins of India" which help you to feel as if you've flown to an exotic area of the globe. In addition to paintings and eroding walls, you'll notice statuary, carvings and other decor meant to tell you with a glance that "you're not in Kansas any more." 
Tigers are one of the park's most well-loved animals, as you'll be able to tell from the number of visitors who linger by the large exhibit (which you'll find along the Maharajah Jungle trail.) This attraction is in the "Asia" themed area of the park.There are several tiger-viewing areas in the exhibit, including an overlook terrace (which is netted, so your kids can't fall inside!) and a large ground-level viewing window. Because there are several viewing areas, you should be able to get a good view of at least one tiger, no matter what part of the compound the animals might be roaming at the time you visit. And, as always, Disney staff trained in tiger lore are on-hand to answer any questions about tigers which may come into your mind as you view the magnificent animals. Komodo Dragon at Disney's Animal KingdomA favorite reptile seen on the Maharajah Jungle Trek's trail
While you're out tiger-spotting, you'll happen across another interesting animal native to Asia--the Komodo Dragon.The large, lush Komodo Dragon compound features lovely greenery and scenic pond. While most Komodo Dragons in zoos are behind glass, this is an open-air exhibit which gives you a superb view of this animal. Luckily for myself and other reptile-lovers, the Komodo dragon was busy exploring the habitat the day these pictures were taken. (You can see more Komodo Dragon pics in the slide show above.) 
Here's another picture of the Komodo Dragon as he reposes on a slab of rock within his compound. 
To your left is a picture of a Komodo Dragon's skull. Next to the Komodo Dragon's compound, a Disney park employee was holding the skull, which is encased in a sturdy, thick plastic case. Anyone wishing further details about either the skull or wanting to learn fun facts about the Komodo Dragon simply had to ask, and the employee had plenty of interesting info to share. 1.) These animals are dangerous! In fact, they're killers! Despite being so cute, each Komodo Dragon is a lean, mean killing machine. Their mouth is filled with bacteria-laden saliva (spit) and when the Komodo Dragon sinks his teeth into a victim, these deadly bacteria enter their prey's bloodstream. If the bite doesn't kill the victim, the bacteria will...even if it takes a few days. The Komodo Dragon simply stalks his victim until it keels over. 2.) How big do Komodo Dragons get? Up to 10 feet in length...and they can weigh up to 300 pounds! 3.) How much do Komodo Dragons eat? Komodo Dragons can really pack in the food! They can eat as much as 80% of their body's weight at one sitting...a remarkable feat. Ripley's Believe It or Not museum in Orlando has a Komodo Dragon's skeleton on permanent display. This popular tourist attraction on International Drive not only displays the Komodo skeleton, but shows a short, interesting video about this unusual, exotic reptile.
|
Are you interested in Komodo Dragon anatomy? If there is nobody displaying the Komodo Dragon's skull at Disney's Animal Kingdom on the day of your visit, don't despair.
