Up close and personal with the Rhinos, was one of the highlights of our most recent visit to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park. This experience is relatively new, having opened on November 1, 2018. It is only open at this time to one group per day which includes 14 guests, so it’s a very limited availability. According to our guide, Patrick, even without a large amount of advertisement for this particular tour, it is currently booked thru summer 2019.
Curiosity Animal Tours
Prior to our tour, we were to check in at the Curiosity Animal Tours desk right next to the standby entrance to Kilimanjaro Safari. There we were given a name tag with a lanyard and also asked to sign some general waiver for the tour. Although we were already aware, we did notice many of the guests attending the tour were disappointed to find that because this tour is 100% backstage, there is no photography permitted. This is a typical practice of any behind the scenes tour at Walt Disney world.
We were taken on a short walk to our bus which then takes us on about a 3-4 minute ride through the back of the safari area to the rhino barn which is in between one of the elephant barns and the cheetah barn. Once we arrived, we were greeted by two of the animal keepers. They explained to us about different species of rhino, where they are typically found, what they eat, and much more information, as well as Disney’s conservation efforts concerning both rhinos and many other species of animals.
Helen
We then moved over to the side of the rhino barn to meet Helen. She is a white rhino (the most social of the species). Helen was very interactive and attentive to the keepers. She responded to signals and commands given and even allowed each guest in our tour to pet her! Her skin was the texture of a basketball, but seemed hard as a rock. Keep in mind that this is not guaranteed in the tour as this all depends on the comfort level and cooperation of the animal. I can’t help but think that Helen enjoyed the attention as she snacked happily and batted her long lashes at us.
100% of the proceeds
The keepers had so much information about Disney’s efforts there at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park as well as throughout the world to help maintain these species and keep them from becoming extinct. We were so pleased to discover that 100% of the proceeds of the tour go to the conservation and preservation efforts of these mighty animals. Poaching is the main threat to declining rhino populations all over the world. The animals are killed for their horns and have become one of the most endangered species on the planet. Isabella and I were so happy to hear that this amazing experience could help in some small way to contribute to their survival.
Extra curious
A pleasant surprise and unexpected addition to the tour was also the fact that we were located so close to the cheetah barn……and the fact that they were “extra curious” during our specific visit. We were cheerfully distracted several times as one of the cheetahs decided to sit at the edge of her enclosure to observe us. This was not well received by her family mates, as they continually tried to gain back her attention by playing and being rather rambunctious. Both guests and keepers alike were very amused with this interaction.
Imagineer Joe Rohde
At the conclusion of our tour, we are told to look more closely at the name tag in our lanyards. We are asked if we recognize the name Joe Rohde. Of course! Disney Royalty in so many ways, Imagineer, Joe Rohde is the mastermind behind Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park as well as Aulani and so many other Disney projects! On the back of this name tag is a beautifully sketched picture of a rhino….signed by none other than Joe Rohde himself! What an amazing keepsake! I will definitely treasure this for years to come!
Behind the scenes experience
This amazing behind the scenes experience can be reserved 180 days ahead of your Walt Disney World resort stay and as I mentioned it is booked thru the summer of 2019. The cost of the tour is $40 per guest and is available for ages 4 and up. I will add a comment here, we did have a 4 year old in our group and I don’t believe that is the best age for this particular tour because I don’t think the attention span is there for the length of this experience. I think older children would enjoy the experience a little more than small children just due to the hour of our duration time. I am happy to call and add this tour to your package when you add it to your Disney Dining and Magical Extras Wish List that I provide for you prior to your 180 day mark. In my opinion, this tour is an amazing experience, an amazing value, and a great way to have a learning experience and give back to the conservation efforts at Walt Disney World. I definitely recommend this, especially for those animal lovers that are traveling with you!
Thoughts from Isabella, also know as @theprincessndtheblog….
This past week, I got the opportunity to participate in Up Close with Rhinos and Caring for the Giants. One word, amazing. Going behind the scenes of Disney’s Animal Kingdom was something I will never forget. Being able to see the hard work that goes into caring for these animals was such a great experience. I have always has a love for elephants. After this experience, I have a new found love for rhinos as well. I was able to meet and pet one of the rhinos on the reserve, Helen. I also got to meet three elephants: Rafiki, Luna and Stella.
Every dollar that was spent on the tour went directly to conservation funds for these animals. I learned there are things that each of us can do every day that will help protect these animals and their environment.
If you are considering doing this tour… DO IT! It is an enriching experience that any animal lover will enjoy!
