Did you know there’s a hidden gem inside Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park where guests can get up-close with animals, learn about conservation and watch expert veterinary care and science in action? Just a short ride away on the Wildlife Express Train, Rafiki’s Planet Watch is where guests can meet and learn from passionate and dedicated cast members like veterinarians, nutritionists, animal keepers, educators, scientists and more who are working to save animals and inspire action.
Conservation Station
In addition to getting a close-up view of reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates, live procedures take place at the Veterinary Treatment Room, where animals across Walt Disney World receive world-class care in a state-of-the-art facility. This hospital features a large window for guests to get a front row seat to see Disney’s veterinarians and veterinary technicians behind the magic.
At the Animal Nutrition Window, guests can watch and talk to Disney nutrition team cast members who prepare carefully curated diets for some of the 5,000 animals across Walt Disney World. And Disney’s Animal Nutrition Center delivers 10,000 pounds of food daily to the animals at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, the nearby Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge and The Seas with Nemo & Friends at EPCOT!
“The meals we make for the animals are all carefully balanced to make sure they have everything they need to stay healthy,” shares Adrienne, an animal nutrition coordinator.
Over at the Science Center — a real working lab — impactful research is conducted by scientists. Here Guests can learn about the innovative technology and practices that Disney is using to advance conservation and animal welfare.
And at The Animation Experience, a talented Disney artist gives a step-by-step tutorial on how to illustrate a wide variety of rotating characters, including Mickey, Bambi, Simba and more!
Affection Section
Show some affection to adorable animals at Affection Section — an expansive outdoor space where animal care experts are available to answer questions about a variety of unique, domesticated animals like Nigerian dwarf goats.
Wilderness Explorers
Wilderness Explorers is an interactive program where guests can complete engaging, nature-themed challenges to earn badges and become Wilderness Explorers themselves! There are over 25 badges to earn throughout Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and five of them can be found at Rafiki’s Planet Watch.
Limited-time Cool KID SUMMER Pollinator Activity
And Cool KID SUMMER is bringing limited-time summer magic to Disney’s Animal Kingdom, including Rafiki’s Planet Watch. Now through Sept. 1, kids can have fun exploring their creativity and learning important conservation lessons during a hands-on crafts activity all about pollinators like bees and butterflies.
Cast Members Inspiring the Next Generation of Conservationists
Visiting Rafiki’s Planet Watch allows guests to connect with the animals that make our planet so special. What makes the experience even more unique is the ability to ask our animal experts questions — whether it’s a scientist in the Science Center or an animal keeper caring for goats.
“We have a very unique opportunity to engage with people from a wide variety of backgrounds,” said Jonathan, an educator at Conservation Station. “It warms my heart to be able to make their day a little more magical. I get to learn what their favorite animals are and teach them what they can do to help protect them.” And Disney’s long legacy of protecting the magic of nature extends far beyond our theme parks. Over 30 years, the Disney Conservation Fund has directed more than $132 million to community conservation programs along with the expertise of our dedicated teams to support organizations working with communities to protect wildlife, inspire action, and promote environmental resilience. To learn more about Disney’s commitment to the environment through Disney Planet Possible, visit impact.disney.com.