Opinions

Animal Kingdom Backstage Safari Tour
Nancy L. Gessner - March 30, 2002

I've been back from WDW just over a week. We took the Backstage Safari tour at AK on Monday, March 10. Wow what a great tour. Our guide was Paul. He was a bit late meeting us because of a computer glitch. (trying to print out our names, etc.)

The tour costs $65.00 plus AK admission. We got a discount with my Disney Club card and paid $55.25 each. There are DC & DVC discounts. When I made the reservations the Thursday before they asked if I was eligible for either discount. Yes, they did take my DC number as well as my credit card information when I made the reservation.

We started off walking to the train station in Hirambe village near the exit from the Kilimanjaro Safari . Paul gave us lots of information about the park and the Tree of Life-the leaves are each 1 foot long. He also showed us where to find the hidden Mickey on the tree (and no it isn't carved). We took the train over to Rafiki's Planet Watch and Paul told us the rules again-no pictures because we would be backstage, we would probably not be seeing animals because they were already onstage etc.

As we got off the train and reassembled he reminded us again about the no cameras rule and encouraged us to ask any questions that we had. Our first stop was the white rhino barn. We had to walk through a puddle of disinfectant to avoid spreading disease to the animals as we entered the barn. A handler gave us a talk about the care and training of the rhinos. The training is to help the keepers care for the animals and is done through positive reinforcement only! We saw a chart that tells all the CMs what behaviors the rhinos were learning, relearning or good with. She answered lots of questions and asked for more. Then we went to the outside pen to see Sammy, one of the male white rhinos. While the keeper and Paul distracted him we were allowed to pet him one at a time, moving slowly and carefully so not to disturb him. His skin felt like rough, dry, old leather.

Then we went to the elephant barn. Upstairs Paul discussed the care and training of the elephants, their social habits etc. We had a chance to hold a tusk that was broken off by one of the males. It was very heavy. We also saw items that had been made from ivory before the international ban on selling it. Now they are promoting the raising of nuts in the rain forest that when carved resemble ivory. That can help to save both the elephants and the rain forest. You can buy jewelry at the AK gift shops made from these nuts. Outside we saw Willie the male elephant who had broken his tusk. He was born in a circus and they feel he was malnourished as a youngster and that's why the tusk broke.

Next we were off to the giraffe barn and met 2 wonderful keepers who introduced us to Asante a male Rothchild giraffe (there are 9 species of giraffe) who was born at the Bronx Zoo (The Wildlife Conservation Society). AK participates in the Species Survival Program (SSP) which helps to promote the survival of endangered species by assisting the breeding of those that are in captivity. They test the animals to see which ones have a less common genetic make up. By breeding these animals they will be able to prevent inbreeding and better promote the survival of endangered species. Asante will be leaving AK to be bred as part of the SSP because his genetic make up is on the top of the most wanted list for Rothchild giraffes. The handlers demonstrated how he is being taught behaviors to help them care for him more easily at AK and when he is sent to his new home.

Then we had a break with water and snacks in the classroom. We met a keeper who brought a Spectacled Owl named Luna and she told us about the raptors and other birds in her care. The classroom experience was great. Paul told us about how they enrich the animals environment-balls, "toys", food, a track for the cheetahs to run on etc.

Next we toured the food facility and saw the types of prepared food, hay, alfalfa and fresh food being prepared for the next day. The fruits and veggies were superb and better than some I've seen in supermarkets for people. There were also spices and natural flavors to again "enrich" the food for the animals. Each species has a menu of what is fed each day with variety playing a big part. The kitchen was spotless.

Then we toured the veterinary hospital and saw the veterinarians truck that is used to bring the necessary equipment to the larger animals. Paul said that at a zoo vet conference the year before the vets got a tour of the facility and most were in awe of the wonderful facility and equipment.

Finally back to the classroom for more questions, a video and wrap up. This was one of the best tours I have taken at WDW. Worth every penny. Paul also told us that most of our tour fees were put toward the Disney Conservation Fund. (The one where they ask you to give a dollar to wildlife when you buy something in AK.)

If you want a new experience then save your pennies and take this tour. We had 11 in our group-10 adults from mid 20s to seniors and one teen. The age is 16 and up for this tour. It is listed as being 3 - 3 1/2 hours long but ours ended about 4 hours. Yes, there is a lot of standing and walking, one man in our group had reserved a scooter and used that with no problem. The best part was being able to ask any questions we wanted to. Paul and the others we met were open and eager to help us. They offered an insight into the daily care of the animals and the mission of AK to educate people about animals, conservation and the world we live in. This is one tour definitely not to be missed and one which I will take again.