Something MAJOR Is Missing at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

in Walt Disney World

Kilimanjaro safaris

Credit: Disney

Walt Disney World Resort is home to four theme parks — Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom — all of which have popular rides and attractions Guests love. Arguably, one of the most incredible attractions at any Disney World Park is the Kilimanjaro Safaris experience at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

lion at disney world kilimanjaro safaris
Credit: Disney

Related: TWO Popular Magic Kingdom Rides Close at Park Opening

Guests trek through Disney’s Harambe Wildlife Preserve with a witty Cast Member guide (not dissimilar to the famous Jungle Cruise Skippers!), and feel as if they’ve been transported to Africa where lions, elephants, giraffes, and more run wild.

Recently, however, Guests have noticed something major missing from the fan-favorite ride — the lions! As it turns out, the ride, which regularly boasts wait times well over an hour, is undergoing a refurbishment that has caused the lions to be temporarily removed from their habitat.

empty lion enclosure at disney's animal kingdom
Credit: ITM Alessa D.

Related: What Happens When the Animals Take Over at Kilimanjaro Safaris?

As you can see in these photos [above and below], construction in the lion enclosure is clearly ongoing, and no animals are currently present. Disney has not announced an official end date for the refurbishment, so it is not known when the lions will be returned to their home.

empty lion enclosure at disney's animal kingdom
Credit: ITM Alessa D.

Related: Two Popular Animal Kingdom Rides Close Back-to-Back

In contrast, as the following photo shows, Guests can usually see both the lion and lioness roaming their section of the Park — or perched atop the rock formation — while riding Kilimanjaro Safaris.

lion at disney's animal kingdom
Credit: ITM Rebekah B.

Related: Dining With Donald and Friends at Tusker House Restaurant

At the time of publication, no other animals are missing from Kilimanjaro Safaris, but it is unknown if other areas of the habitat will be refurbished next.

More on Kilimanjaro Safaris

disney world kilimanjaro safaris giraffe
Credit: Screenshot via Disney

Disney officially describes Kilimanjaro Safaris as:

Explore the Harambe Wildlife Reserve, home to 34 species living in 110 acres of picturesque open plains, shady forest landscapes and rocky wetlands. Your rugged safari vehicle is driven by an expert guide, who helps point out animals and shares fascinating wildlife facts during this extraordinary 18-minute expedition.

Unique Animal Encounters
Spot a shy hippopotamus nestled in a still pond. Behold a regal lion sunbathing on a rocky perch. Drive past a gentle giraffe grazing on the tall trees or wave hello to a swinging baboon. Other amazing animals you may encounter include rhinos, cheetahs, crocodiles, elephants, hyenas and zebras—and so many more!

Since animals have minds of their own, every expedition is a unique and unforgettable experience. Be sure to keep your eyes open and have a camera ready—you never know what you’ll see on a Kilimanjaro Safaris outing.

More on Disney Conservation

kilimanjaro safaris elephants
Credit: Disney

The Walt Disney Company is committed to animal conservation and provides the following information about the Disney Conservation Fund on its official website:

Disney Conservation is committed to saving wildlife and building a global community inspired to protect the magic of nature together. Since 1995, the Disney Conservation Fund has directed $100 million to support nonprofit organizations working with communities to save wildlife, inspire action and protect the planet. Disney Conservation Team Wildlife leads best-in-class scientific programs to conserve wildlife in Disney’s backyard and beyond, connects people to build a network for nature, and cares for the planet through everyday actions.

Are you visiting Animal Kingdom this weekend?

Let the expert team at Academy Travel help you plan your next magical vacation to Walt Disney World Resort and Disney Springs or Disneyland Resort and the Downtown Disney District!

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