With Friday’s debut of Kilimanjaro Safaris excursions into the evening, one of the new nighttime experiences at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, we are eagerly awaiting to see your excitement as you engage in the magic of nature at night.

In preparation for this park milestone, we have been working behind the scenes for more than three years getting the animals and animal habitats ready for the new nighttime experiences. Through it all, our focus on animal care has been central to our team while we create an environment like no other. We enhanced and built the best possible animal habitats that offer choices for the animals, such as ranges in temperature, sound and light levels.

With the extended sunset at Kilimanjaro Safaris, we expect many of the savanna animals will want to spend the night outside, so our daily check-ups will take place at various times throughout the day and night. This is similar to how we currently care for the animals at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, where you may see different types of animals depending on the time of day or night you visit.

Also while out on the savanna, you may notice we have added painted dogs, hyenas, and more recently, a herd of wildebeests. These animals are adding even more excitement and beauty to the safari, whether day or night, and we look forward to seeing you this summer and beyond on the Kilimanjaro Safaris.