When you think about Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park, one of the first things that comes to mind for many of us is the famous Kilimanjaro Safaris. This landmark attraction was the face of this park for a long time and remains a considerable drawcard as guests enjoy its natural beauty time and time again. A little taste of the wild, guests at this Walt Disney World theme park have the opportunity to see some of their favorite animals in their uncaged environment. It’s an experience like no other, and seeing the animals in their natural and relaxed state only adds to the beauty of it all.
Two of our favorite animals, Dakari and Kamari, from this wild ride into the savanna, are about to start their next chapter, retiring to a conservation haven in Florida accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). The pair have not only made their mark on the park but also in entertainment, heavily influencing the development of The Lion King remake in 2019:
In 2019, Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures released a live action version of The Lion King. Years in the making, the ability to create photo-real animals was no easy feat. Luckily, Dakari and Kamari leaped into place and served as inspiration. Crews visited the savanna to watch and film them. This footage was woven together to create 3D models that could be used to create the animals featured in the film. This ensured the most realistic retelling of the beloved story.
Shortly after Dakari and Kamari settle into their new surroundings, Disney’s Animal Kingdom will be introducing a new, young group of lions for guests to get to know. We can’t wait to share more details of the new residents with you as soon as they are released.
Zoë Wood is a travel writer from Sydney, Australia. Since her first visit to Disneyland at the age of 6, she has spent her years frequently visiting Disney Parks and traveling around the world.
Join Zoë as she lets you in on all the tips, tricks, anecdotes, and embarrassments that arise from her family adventures.
