Plains Zebras Make Their Animal Kingdom Come Back

(Photo courtesy Disney. Gene Duncan, photographer)

By Ken Storey

Earlier this week the much anticipated new zebra exhibit at Animal Kingdom was finally unveiled.  The zebras were taken out of the main part of Kilimanjaro Safaris earlier this year, though they were still visible in the distance but not up close, as a new expanded zebra exhibit was built.  The new zebra section of the popular ride (that is at least in part inspired by Walt's original ideas for Jungle Cruise) takes over the where the ride previously featured the robotic 'little red' and where the storyline aspect of the ride took over.  The ride was used to educate on the horrors of poaching.  No word from Disney on how the new storyline will work but Disney has confirmed that the storyline will "still have a very strong and prominent conservation message."

Altogether the new section will feature 15 Plains zebras along with one Grevy's zebra, an endangered species.  All are female and Disney has no plans for a breeding program at this point.  Animal Kingdom is known for it's many successful breeding programs.  

Oh and if you're wondering these are not the same zebras as what Animal Kingdom Lodge has, those are Hartmann's Mountain Zebras.  Just some info to help you impress those out of town visitors next time you play tour guide for them.