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When I was in third grade I had my future career decided: zoology. I loved animals but didn’t think I could handle many of the messier aspects of veterinary medicine, so I decided I would study animals from a strict scientific viewpoint instead.
Although my skill set ended up steering me away from any future career in the sciences, I’ve never lost that inherent love of learning about animals. That explains why Disney’s Animal Kingdom is my favorite part of Disney World, and why I’m always so excited to share what’s new with the park.
On Wednesday July 27 the Animal Kingdom presents its own special commemoration of the International Year of Forests. The United Nations pronounced 2011 the International Year of Forests in order to increase awareness about and preservation of forests, with a focus on sustainable management.
The Animal Kingdom is doing its part to educate the public on forest ecosystems by holding a spotlight over its own forest dwellers on July 27. Visit Rafiki’s Planet Watch at the Kingdom anytime on Wednesday between 9:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. to join in on the fun.
Kathy Lehnhardt, the Curator of Education for Disney Animal Programs, posted all about what to expect for the International Year of Forests at the official Disney Parks blog. Children will learn about the world’s different types of forests and what animals inhabit them through a mystery clue-matching game. They’ll also get to play a searching game where they seek out animals camouflaged into their wooded surroundings.
Animal Kingdom staff will introduce guests to the many animals housed at Disney that are native forest-dwellers. Most of the animals featured will be reptiles, amphibians, and insects. Other popular denizens of the Animal Kingdom who are also native to forests are gibbons and the deer-like okapi.
Guests on July 27 will also learn of conservation projects in which they can engage in order to help save and preserve the world’s forests. Subjects being discussed will include the different types of forests, what forests contribute to the world ecosystem, and the various conservation efforts currently underway.
Stories like this about Disney’s Animal Kingdom get me every time. I’m a sucker for conservation awareness and education. Sometimes I think that despite the upcoming Fantasyland expansion and its heavy emphasis on my favorite Disney movie, “Beauty and the Beast,” when I finally travel to Disney World I’m going to want to spend most of my time at the Animal Kingdom.
Related Articles:
Conservation at the Animal Kingdom
Disney Scientists Learn the Language of Elephants
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Aids Orphan Gorillas
*(This image by chdwckvnstrsslhm is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 2.5 License.)
