Inside the Animal Care Teams Keeping Disney's Animal Kingdom Thriving This Earth Month

Disney's Animal Kingdom highlights the dedicated cast members behind its AZA-accredited animal care program during Earth Month, from the Animal Nutrition Center preparing over 10,000 pounds of food daily to field conservation efforts supported by the Disney Conservation Fund's $141 million in investments.

Disney's Animal Kingdom is pulling back the curtain on the extraordinary animal care that happens both on stage and behind the scenes at Walt Disney World, celebrating the cast members whose daily work has kept the park AZA-accredited since its opening in 1998.

Behind-the-Scenes Animal Care at Disney's Animal Kingdom

The most critical animal care often takes place out of guests' view. Every day, cast members develop customized nutrition plans, design enrichment activities, and collaborate closely with veterinarians to support animals at every life stage. From carefully prepared meals to detailed health monitoring, nothing is left to chance.

At the heart of this operation is the Animal Nutrition Center, which prepares and delivers more than 10,000 pounds of food each day to animals across Disney's Animal Kingdom, Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge, The Seas with Nemo & Friends at EPCOT, and other locations throughout the resort.

When giraffe Tucker recently celebrated his first birthday, keepers partnered with the Animal Nutrition Center to create a giraffe-friendly birthday feast designed just for him -- a small moment that reflects the individualized attention every animal receives.

Science-Driven Care and Relationship-Based Training

Behind every animal guests see is a team of experts applying science around the clock. Animals are monitored overnight, supported through behind-the-scenes check-ins, and cared for using detailed protocols designed to ensure their well-being at all times.

For naturally reclusive species like okapis, much of that care happens quietly behind the scenes. Keepers like Mori build trust over time, training okapis to voluntarily participate in their own medical assessments -- a process that can take months of patience and relationship building.

The same approach extends to African elephants, who have been trained to position their feet for veterinary radiographs. It's a powerful demonstration of how science-based care is rooted in communication, trust, and respect rather than force.

Conservation That Extends Beyond the Park Gates

For many cast members, animal care at Disney's Animal Kingdom is more than a job -- it's a calling. Through certifications, mentorship, research, and collaboration with peers across the global zoological community, they continuously build expertise that benefits animals both in Disney's care and in the wild.

Cast members contribute to field research and conservation partnerships worldwide, from the Sea Turtle Conservancy's Tour de Turtles program to wildlife initiatives spanning multiple continents. That frontline expertise flows directly back into how they connect guests with conservation every day at the park.

Programs like Wilderness Explorers help spark curiosity in the next generation, inviting young adventurers to learn about wildlife and ecosystems through hands-on discovery throughout the park.

The Disney Conservation Fund's Growing Impact

The Disney Conservation Fund (DCF) continues to amplify this mission on a global scale. Now celebrating more than 30 years of impact, DCF has invested $141 million to date, supporting conservation efforts worldwide by combining community engagement, scientific research, and education.

What This Means for Disney Fans

Disney's Animal Kingdom has always been more than a theme park -- it's a working conservation center. For guests visiting during Earth Month, this is a great reminder that every encounter with the park's animals is backed by world-class veterinary science and a genuine commitment to wildlife welfare. You can learn more about Disney's environmental initiatives at TheWaltDisneyCompany.com/Disney-Planet-Possible.