One of the highlights of any Disney’s Animal Kingdom trip is always the Kilimanjaro Safari Tour. No matter how many times you’ve done it, it’s always different whenever you get to do it again. There are different animals to be seen, some nocturnal and some who just love lounging around with not a care in the world. Have you ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes? What about those majestic African Elephants that can be so elusive at times. Well Disney will now be offering a behind the scene look at these amazing elephants and what it takes to care for them there at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. I was given a sneak peek at their brand new “Caring for Giants” which comes to the park March 12th, 2017.
Caring For Giants is a 60-minute experience that gives guests a closer look these majestic giants. You’ll meet African cultural representatives who will share stories of their homeland, learn about the Disney Conservation Fund’s efforts – including the Elephants and Bees project – and meet dedicated animal care experts who care for the elephant herd at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. They’ll give you a glimpse into their day-to-day responsibilities and provide you with fascinating facts about the elephants that they care for. You will also observe the elephant herd from a newly created viewing area on the Kilimanjaro Safaris savanna.
Throughout this experience, you’ll be able to observe the elephants from approximately 80 to 100 feet away—so you’ll enjoy a closer encounter with the elephants than you would during other in-park experiences.
Disney is dedicated to helping reverse the decline of African elephants in the wild. To date, the Disney Conservation Fund has provided more than $2.4 million to support elephants, including $1.8 million to support African elephants.
Elephants at Disney’s Animal Kingdom’s state-of-the-art habitat receive comprehensive care from a team of animal keepers, veterinarians and scientists, all experts in their field and dedicated to all the wonderful animals of the world, especially those in their care. These specialists monitor the welfare of the animals through daily care and preventative healthcare.
Caring for Giants is one of the ways that Guests can learn more about Disney’s conservation work. I was really impressed by everything that I saw and heard, and before you say, “well that was a waste of paper, what about conservation?”. My pass was actually handcrafted paper made from 85% elephant poop fibers.
Pricing and Reservations
Registration for this new offering is now open and the first Guests (up to 140 a day) will be able to experience the tour starting March 12. Offered 10 times a day, Guests will meet tour guides across from the Kilimanjaro Safari attraction entrance and be guided backstage.
Price: $30 per person with discounts available for Passholders and Disney Vacation Club Members.
Dates: Offered daily
Times: Groups depart throughout the day between 10a.m to 4:30p.m; each experience lasts approximately one hour
Reservations: Book by calling (407) WDW-PLAY or (407) 939-7529
To learn more about elephants and conservation, please visit www.disneyanimals.com
