The Disney World SECRET Even Experts Probably Don’t Know!

Animal Kingdom is gearing up to celebrate a huge Anniversary — 25 years!

Disney is celebrating with special character sightings, snacks, and so much more. But there’s a Disney World fact that even the experts might not know and we’ve just got to share it with you!

Did you know that some of Animal Kingdom’s animal residents have been at the park since it opened? FOR REAL!

Disney says there are 45 animals that have been in Animal Kingdom since the park opened in 1998 — some of them even arrived a year before opening day! Let’s meet a few of them.

First up, we have Jack and Jill. They are miniature donkeys that you can see at Affection Section at Rafiki’s Planet Watch. According to Disney, these love to do everything together.

Did you know these donkeys even get acupuncture to keep “a bounce in their step?” Well, now you do!

Next, we have Johnny (you’ll need to look closely in the photo to find him!). Johnny is a white stork you’ll see on Discovery Island. He stands at over 3 feet tall and since he’s in a prime spot by the Tree of Life, the odds are pretty good that he’s photo-bombed one of your family photos in this spot!

There’s also Maclean (“Mac”). He’s an African elephant and weighs nearly 13,000 POUNDS! He is the father of Luna and Stella, and he actually “waves” to his keepers with his trunk to get attention or extra treats — smart guy!

And that’s just the start! Other opening-day animals include Gino, a Western lowland gorilla. He’s the oldest gorilla in Animal Kingdom (42 years old!) and is “one of the first gorillas in the world to allow his caretakers to perform cardiac ultrasounds without anesthesia.”

You can also stop by to say “hi” to Sid — the rhinoceros iguana. His trainers describe him as “intelligent, and large and in charge” and you’ll find him at The Oasis in the front of the park. Sid is actually in his 40s, and to keep him warm on cooler days he has a specially heated rock.

Finally, we have Tuma the Nile hippopotamus. There are actually 5 members of the hippo bloat that have been in Animal Kingdom for 25 years and Tuma is the youngest of the 5. She’s a mom to 2 hippos.

For more on these residents, check out the video below!

Don’t forget to stay tuned to AllEars to see all of the fun in Animal Kingdom as the park celebrates its Anniversary and Earth Day.

Moana is coming to Disney World in a new way

What’s your favorite part of an Animal Kingdom day? Tell us below!

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