![]() ![]() Through caring for elephants like Mac, Disney scientists have been able to study the vocalizations of elephants to learn how they communicate. Mac is the father of Luna and Stella, and he is one of nine elephants in the herd on Harambe Wildlife Reserve.Įlephants are highly intelligent and able to communicate with each other through a variety of sounds, some of which are made at such a low frequency they cannot be heard by human ears. Affectionately known as “Mac” to his keepers, this titan is most often spotted by guests on Kilimanjaro Safaris. Tipping the scales at nearly 13,000 pounds, Maclean is the largest of the heritage animals – and all the animals – at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Is Johnny in one of your family photos from the last 25 years? Share it with us in the comment section!įun Fact: White storks have a wingspan about the size of Mickey Mouse (over five feet). Standing over three feet tall, Johnny is easy to spot and currently shares his habitat with kangaroos and vultures. And though much has changed around him during that time, Johnny has been a constant presence. Since his habitat is located at the base of the Tree of Life, one of the most popular photo spots in the park, Johnny often has inadvertently photobombed guests for 25 years. While he might not immediately be at the top of your mind, he very likely may be in your family photo album! Over on Discovery Island, you might have overlooked a white stork named Johnny. Kejana, Zawadi and Gus in the bachelor troop on the other side of Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail presented by OFF! Repellents were present for opening day of the park, too! Johnny – White stork Hardly! Gino still enjoys playing and wrestling with his juvenile sons and is an attentive father to his daughters Grace and Ada, making him a model father and troop leader.įun Fact: Gino isn’t the only western lowland gorilla to call Disney’s Animal Kingdom home since 1997. Gino’s participation in his own care – as one of the first gorillas in the world to allow his caretakers to perform cardiac ultrasounds without anesthesia – ha s enabled his keepers to train and develop important techniques which benefit gorillas in managed care around the world.īut he’s not all work and no play. Gino is not only the oldest gorilla at Disney’s Animal Kingdom at 42 and the silverback of the family troop, but he’s also a pioneer and ambassador for his species. Typically seated atop his rock, locking eyes and engaging with the millions who come to visit him, he stands out to many as an icon for the park. Gino – Western lowland gorillaįor most of our guests, Gino needs no introduction. Overall, there are 45 animals who have been with us since day one – some of which arrived almost a year before opening! This is a huge testament to the level of care provided by our cast members and the relationships our keepers have with the animals.įor the first time ever, we’d like to shine the spotlight on a few of the opening-day animals you can see around the park. On this morning, when the boot falls to the ground for a moment, a suspicious chipmunk comes a bit too close, causing the gorilla to snatch up her boot in a hurry before ol’ Chippy can steal it.When you think of a milestone anniversary of a Disney theme park, you might reflect on a thrilling attraction you rode on opening day, memorable performances that left you breathless or cast members who made your visit magical.īut at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, which is preparing to celebrate its 25 th anniversary on April 22, guests often are surprised to learn about the animals who’ve been here since the park opened on Earth Day in 1998. ![]() ![]() Sometimes she even manages to get three boots on her frame. It’s a security blanket for the 216-pound gal who loves onions. In the meantime, 41-year-old Juju has thrown an old boot on her broad back as she searches for delicious food to consume. “She marches to the beat of her own drum, which we love about her.” “She’s kind of the oddball of the group,” Tuchman said. It’s normal behavior for her, as she was bottom-ranking in the troop for many years, and had to learn to be scrappier than the other girls. There’s 29-year-old Kwisha, who slowly gathers and stores away produce in her arms. ![]() “They’re not social groomers like other primates. “They all have their personal-space bubble,” Tuchman said. And they kind of feed off that energy from him.”Īs keepers rain down veggies, including lettuce, kale, corn, bell peppers, tomatoes and onions, into their forested outdoor living quarters, the herbivorous apes slowly begin to dine. He’s sweet and gentle with her,” said Primate World Keeper Amy Tuchman. Abby Jordan interacts with Kwisha, a Western lowland gorilla, after the gorilla gathered up her vegetarian morning feast at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |