‘Little Red’ Animatronic Elephant Returns to Disney’s Animal Kingdom

*Cue the ol’ Kilimanjaro Safaris radio music*

Come in, Simba-1! Do you remember the original poaching storyline at Kilimanjaro Safaris, starring Little Red and Big Red?

According to the original backstory, the mama and baby elephant pairing once lived in the Harambe Wildlife Reserve, becoming famous for tourists who went on a safari to see elephants. However, at a certain point, Big Red was hunted down by a group of poachers (with later versions of the attraction saying she was only wounded), while Little Red was saved. A baby elephant animatronic could be seen sticking out of a truck towards the end of the attraction:

— Photo from S.E.A. Fandom

This storyline was ultimately removed in 2012, also eliminating the baby elephant animatronic from the experience. Little Red was then displayed in backstage or Cast Member-exclusive areas for years, but has finally returned to Disney’s Animal Kingdom within guest view!

According to @awesomemixnick on Twitter/X, Little Red can now be seen during the Caring for Giants tour at the park, at the back of the second elephant yard:

How To See Little Red

Little Red is currently on loan for the Caring for Giants tour at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. This is a 60-minute guided experience that takes you behind the scenes of the park’s African elephant herd.

Here is where you’ll get a closer look at the (real) elephants of the savanna — versus a standard safari ride — with viewing from 80 to 100 feet away. You’ll learn more about the day-to-day care of the herd and Disney’s elephant conservation efforts from expert guides. Plus, you can now see the original Little Red audio-animatronic figure on display!

• Tour times: 9am, 10am, 1pm, and 2pm

• Price: $39 per person (plus tax)

• Theme park admission is required but not included in the tour price

The former Little Red storyline on Kilimanjaro Safaris was often debated, but it undeniably brought an extra layer of urgency and storytelling to the ride. The poaching theme at Disney’s Animal Kingdom tackled a more serious subject, which likely led to its removal in 2012, when Little Red was written out of the experience. Even so, it delivered a memorable message about wildlife conservation that stuck with many.

So what do you think — did the original version with Little Red make the attraction more meaningful, or do you prefer the toned-down experience of today? Will you be visiting Little Red on a Caring For Giants tour?