Zebras are being reintroduced slowly to Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park, where they will be the new finale of the Kilimanjaro Safaris attraction that carries guests through an Africa-inspired savanna. Fifteen Plains zebras have been adjusting to their Florida surroundings in backstage areas of Walt Disney World since arriving in February.
The herd was acquired through the Associations of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), a nonprofit organization that backs the conservation and science sides of animal studies.
Members of the herd are 5 to 10 years old, weigh between 650 and 800 pounds, and are all females. Disney has no plans to breed the Plains group. However, it has one female Grevy’s zebra, an endangered species, that has been living with the Plains zebras. It’s possible the company eventually would try breeding Grevy’s zebras, in cooperation with the AZA.
Disney’s new animals will be stationed near the end of the Kilimanjaro Safaris, close to the spot where an animatronic elephant called “Little Red” stood. The zebras will relocate there in phases. Disney officials have set no specific date as to when the zebras will be in their permanent home.
Photo Source- Joe Burbank / September 28, 2012, Orlando Sentinel
