Earth Week: How to celebrate at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Animal Kingdom is gearing up for special Earth Week celebrations next week.

Dr. Scott Terrell, director of animal and science operations for Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, talked Channel 9 through what guests can expect during the celebrations:

READ: Disney’s Animal Kingdom welcomes a new family member to its cast

Fresh faces

Visitors can look out for two new faces at the theme park. In the past six months, Animal Kingdom has welcomed babies both large and small.

Ivy, a baby Mandrill (think Rafiki from “The Lion King”), was born just this weekend at only 1 pound. Terrell said you can spot her and her mother, Hazel, when you take a ride on Kilimanjaro Safaris.

The most famous new face, he said, is Ranger, the baby white rhino born at a whopping 86 pounds. With white rhinos being a “near threatened” species, Terrell said having Ranger roaming Animal Kingdom is a big deal.

“Every baby white rhino is a plus for the planet,” he said.

READ: Disney’s Animal Kingdom welcomes Ranger to the crash

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Ranger the Rhino Calf Joins the Herd at Kilimanjaro Safaris Ranger the Rhino (Walt Disney Parks & Resorts)

New experiences

Terrell said the park will have a number of experiences planned from April 18 to 24 for Earth Week as well as special merchandise and food.

That includes an animation experience where guests can learn to draw their favorite Disney animals while also learning how the theme parks help support the Disney Conservation Fund.

READ: Brevard Zoo welcomes third baby sloth in its history

“When you come to Disney’s Animal Kingdom not only are you experiencing the magic of Disney, the magic of nature, but you’re helping us through the Disney Conservation fund to have direct impact on those animals in the wild,” Terrell said.

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