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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 an ancient species of long horn cattle
depicted in Egyptian pyramids, a territorial hoofed creature now
extinct in its native habitat and a turkey-sized bird that walks
on its tiptoes.
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.
At least 40 percent of the mammal species roaming the lodge savannah
cannot be seen at Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park or in other
Central Florida animal parks, says lodge curator Joe Kalla. Themed
as a working wildlife reserve, the 75-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 Kalla, who once lived in Kenya and conducted
animal research there. “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 cow 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 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.
Congo buffalo – Both males and females of this small-sized buffalo
species have flat-topped, almost circular shaped horns. As forest
dwellers, they sometimes graze on the edges of open savannah areas.
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, 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 stripes on their sides, and males have curved ring horns.
Vulturine guinea fowl – This largest of the guinea fowl hails from
tropical East Africa and doesn’t appear to drink water at all. It
survives on seeds, fruit, roots and other vegetation and also eats
insects, scorpions and spiders.
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.
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.
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, Kalla says. Nighttime
viewing of the animals “that just adds to the whole African experience”
will occur with the help of artificial lighting that mimics a very
bright full moon, he says. “People hopefully will leave with a greater
appreciation for wildlife.”
Species list-
Mammals: Ankole cattle, Thomson’s gazelle, Impala, Blesbok, Giraffe,
Greater kudu, Waterbuck, Zebra, Bongo, Wildebeest, Eland, Gemsbok,
Congo buffalo
Birds: African spoonbills, Yellow-billed stork, Cape teal, Red-billed
pintail, Vulturine guineafowl, Helmeted guineafowl, Greater flamingo,
East African crown crane, Ostrich, Egyptian geese, Yellow-billed
duck, White-faced tree duck, Abyssinian geese, Sacred ibis, Common
shelduck, Marabou storks, Blue cranes, Pink-backed pelicans, Abyssinian
ground hornbills, Ruppell’s griffon vultures.
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