Giraffes,
zebras and wildebeests have a colorful, diverse group of neighbors on
the African savannah of Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge. They're joined by
a species of longhorn cattle so ancient it is depicted in Egyptian
pyramids, a turkey-sized bird that walks on its tiptoes, and a
territorial hoofed creature now extinct in its native habitat.
Altogether, more than 200 mammals and birds of nearly
three dozen species populate the 33-acre area planted to replicate an
African savannah that surrounds the deluxe lodge on three sides. Guests
of Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge can view the creatures from their
resort balconies or from several viewing points -- including a
landscaped rock outcropping -- the Arusha Rock kopje -- 24 hours
a day.
A working wildlife reserve, the 74-acre Disney's
Animal Kingdom Lodge offers opportunities for guests to meet with
African cultural representatives and the animal care team. Those Disney
cast members are equipped to offer animal spotting tips, conservation
information and background on the animals.
"There's no place like this in the world, where you
can have a room with a savannah view and 24-hour viewing of animals from
your balcony," says Greg Peccie, lodge curator. "This really feels like
an immersion into Africa."
Among the many species seen on the savannah:
- Ankole-Watusi Cattle
An ancient breed once known as the Egyptian Longhorn, it is a
medium-sized member of the cattle family with very long horns and a
long tail pictured in 6,000-year-old Egyptian pyramids.
- Blesbok Now extinct
in its native habitat, the blesbok is a hoofed mammal with ridged
lyre-shaped horns, found in a protected area of South Africa. It has
a short, glossy reddish or purplish coat and a white blaze on its
forehead divided by a dark bar between its eyes.
- Abyssinian ground hornbill
A large, turkey-sized bird with black plumage and some white
feathers, this hornbill rarely flies but walks on its tiptoes. It's
known for its deep, booming call -- especially at dawn.
- Grant's zebra This
zebra's broader stripes that extend around its belly and down its
legs distinguish it from other zebras. It communicates with a
variety of sounds (including barks), gestures and even facial
expressions.
- Thomson's gazelle
Also referred to as Tommies, these herbivores are known for their
endurance that allows them to escape swift predators such as
cheetahs or lions. The small creatures have rich tan skin with black
racing stripes on their sides, and males have curved ringed horns.
- White-bearded wildebeest
Known for traveling in large herds, the wildebeest is a large,
high-shouldered antelope with a broad muzzle, an ox-like head and
cow-like horns. It can go five days without water and mainly eats
grasses and succulent plants. At night, the wildebeest will often
sleep in rows, which offers the security of a group while allowing
each individual a quick getaway in case of danger.
- Sacred ibis A
long-legged bird from south of the Sahara and Madegascar, the sacred
ibis has white feathers and black decorated plumage toward its lower
back. It builds nests in trees or tall grass and forages along
streams and lakes.
- Bongo Certain
populations of this solitary forest dweller have been designated
endangered or near threatened. Bright or dark chestnut red, both the
male and female bongo have horns that spiral into a complete twist.
The bongo can also be seen throughout the evening, browsing in the
moonlight.
All animals inhabiting the savannah return
periodically to an on-site animal care facility for feeding and routine
care. Many of the species browse, as well, on savannah plantings that
are part of their everyday diet and are continually replenished by
horticulturists.
Animals populating the savannah of Disney's Animal
Kingdom Lodge either originated at Disney's Animal Kingdom theme park or
arrived from other accredited zoological facilities, Peccie says.
Nighttime viewing of the animals "that just adds to the whole African
experience" will occur with the help of artificial lighting that mimics
soft moonglow, he says. "We hope people will leave with a greater
appreciation for wildlife."
Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge Species List
Mammals:
Ankole cattle
Thomson's gazelle
Impala
Blesbok
Giraffe
Greater kudu
Waterbuck
Zebra
Bongo
Wildebeest
Eland
Birds:
African spoonbills
Common pintail
Vulturine guinea fowl
Helmeted guinea fowl
Greater flamingo
East African crown crane
Ostrich
Yellow-billed duck
White-faced tree duck
Sacred ibis
Common shelduck
Marabou storks
Blue cranes
Eastern white pelicans
Abyssinian ground hornbills
Ruppell's griffon vultures |
