Disney’s Animal Kingdom is home to more than 2,000 different animals from giraffes and zebras to lions and gorillas. As the park prepares to celebrate its 25th anniversary on April 22—which is also Earth Day—Disney is sharing some insight into the park’s rarely-seen animal inhabitants.


What You Need To Know

  • Disney's Animal Kingdom will celebrate 25th anniversary on April 22

  • The park is putting the spotlight on some animals that visitors might have overlooked

  • The animals include kangaroos, naked mole rats and more

  • RELATED: Disney: Dates set for 2023 EPCOT Food & Wine Festival

The park’s so-called “secret” animals are animals that visitors might miss during their visit, and, in order to spot them, they might have to venture off the “beaten path.”

Did you know Animal Kingdom has kangaroos? The park is actually home to two species of kangaroos, including four western grey and two red. The kangaroos can be found in the Discovery Island area of the park. To see them, visitors should turn left at the Tree of Life and head down the Discovery Island Trails (the pathways around the Tree of Life).

Kangaroos are among the “secret” animals Disney is spotlighting this month. Animal Kingdom is also home to southern giant anteaters, which can be found in The Oasis area of the park. Their sense of smell is “up to 40 times stronger than humans,” according to Disney.

In DinoLand, visitors can find an American crocodile named Marley. Crocodiles differ from alligators. One way, visitors can tell the difference is by their snout. American crocodiles have a long narrow snout, while alligators have a wider, U-shaped snout.

Naked mole rats, some of smallest animals at the park, can be found in the Africa section. The tiny pink rodents are located in the research center along the Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail. Despite having “naked” in their name, the mole rats are covered in fine hair, which helps them navigate in the dark.

To find other unique animals, visitors will need to take a train ride to Rafiki’s Planet Watch. The Affection Station has a variety of creatures, including kunekune pigs, Nigerian dwarf goats and a splash-backed poison frog.

For its 25th anniversary celebration, Animal Kingdom will be rolling out themed treats and merchandise. The park is also offering special photo ops.

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