Disney’s Animal Kingdom has a new silverback gorilla. Bakari, 21, is taking over leadership of the park’s family troop after the departure of longtime silverback Gino.

Affection Section has long been a favorite spot where visitors can interact with farm animals like goats, sheep, and pigs. The Wildlife Express Train connects guests to Rafiki’s Planet Watch, a conservation-focused area of the park.

The Merry Menagerie at Disney’s Animal Kingdom is a unique holiday event featuring life-size, artisan-crafted animal puppets that roam Discovery Island. Learn what makes this festive experience special and why it’s a must-see during the holiday season.

Disney has filed roughly a dozen lawsuits against Orange County over what it has described as “excessive” assessments on several of its properties.

One of the first animals to call Disney’s Animal Kingdom home and the oldest gorilla at the park has died.

The race to rescue and “go get that dino” is soon coming to an end.

The otter pups are the first ones born at the park since 2018.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom introduced its newest baby tiger cub on Wednesday Oct. 16 for the first time in seven years.

As this year's D23 Disney fan event wraps up in California, here's the impact we can expect to feel at our theme parks in Central Florida.

Hi friends! It’s Brenda, back for all the Central Florida Happenings.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom is home to roughly 2,000 animals representing 300 species. And all of them need special care.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom proudly welcomed Elijah, the first baby okapi to make his debut to guests at the theme park since 2012.

In a heartwarming moment, Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park celebrates the birth of an African elephant calf, marking the first such arrival in seven years.

Fans of Rafiki from Disney’s “The Lion King” might want to make their way to Disney’s Animal Kingdom soon.

Walt Disney World Resort welcomes two adorable Hartmann’s mountain zebra foals on Kilimanjaro Safaris at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park.

Deputies in Osceola County say a woman last seen leaving for her job at Walt Disney World has been found.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom goes wild for 25th anniversary

Meet the residents of Disney’s Animal Kingdom who’ve inspired guests for 25 years.

You are now In The Loop!

According to STCU, members voted by 97% for ratification after the company reached out with a proposal.

Walt Disney World has a special ticket offer for Florida residents who want to visit the theme parks in early 2023.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom has a new addition to the Maharajah Jungle Trek. Guests can now look for the park’s newest Sumatran tiger named Conrad.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom is set to permanently close its daytime show “Disney KiteTails” at the end of the month, Walt Disney World said.

Walt Disney World is preparing to welcome guests back to the big blue world of “Finding Nemo.”

Tumble monkeys and aerial acts returning to Disney’s ‘Festival of the Lion King.’

The first look at the reimagined musical based on the film “Finding Nemo” has been shared ahead of its opening this summer at Animal Kingdom.

Stepping has a long tradition in Black communities, derived from Africa gumboot dancing.

alt Disney World said on Thursday that it has started swapping out its iconic purple road signs for more vibrant blue and yellow ones.

Walt Disney World shared new photos Friday of its newest white rhino born at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

Walt Disney World said Wednesday that its newest Hartmann’s mountain zebra foal received the name Zarina.

Walt Disney World is seeing a baby boom at its Animal Kingdom theme park.

Walt Disney World is celebrating the birth of a new baby zebra.

Walt Disney World this week shared the first details about some of the delicious food and drinks coming this holiday season.

Disney to begin Disney Genie service across Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort on Oct. 19

Here's what you need to know about Disney's statues.

Animal care experts at Disney’s Animal Kingdom are celebrating the birth of an adorable white rhino calf.

Walt Disney World released an all-new commercial Tuesday showcasing all the excitement to come for the World’s Most Magical Celebration, which begins Oct. 1.

Dumbo the Flying Elephant remains enduringly popular with younger guests, even in the age of smart phones.

Disney Imagineers show off a preview of the new nighttime looks for the 180-foot icon of Epcot.

Disney Imagineers show off a preview of the new nighttime looks for the 180-foot icon of Epcot.

Many people overlook the Swiss Family Treehouse as just part of the foliage in a lush part of the Magic Kingdom, but it is an attraction with a storied history.

Disney releases more restaurant reopening dates

Disney’s Animal Kingdom is becoming a hot spot for animal births recently.

A new Nile hippopotamus calf was born at Disney’s Animal Kingdom on Monday.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom now has a new addition: a Masai giraffe calf.

Disney has announced a reopening date for the Tusker House Restaurant.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom will welcome “A Celebration of Festival of the Lion King” beginning May 15.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom will welcome back “A Celebration of Festival of the Lion King” beginning next month.

It’s a girl: Disney’s Animal Kingdom welcomes baby Mandrill

Disney rides ranked: Do you agree with this new survey?

ORLANDO, Fla. – Walt Disney World will be a very busy place for spring breakers starting next week. Reservations are available at select parks for theme park ticketed guests and resort guests beginning on March 20. On Sunday, Walt Disney World reopened Blizzard Beach for the first time since it closed last year. AdThe water park is operating in alignment with the health and safety measures implemented throughout Walt Disney World Resort such as enhanced cleaning, temperature checks and physical distancing. Disney's Blizzard Beach reopened March 7, 2021, at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.

ORLANDO, Fla – Walt Disney World said the new baby rhino, Ranger, joined the crash of rhinos Tuesday at Animal Kingdom’s Kilimanjaro Safaris. The 600-pound baby white rhino was born to mother Kendi in October 2020 and received his name last month. AdRanger joins herd at Kilimanjaro Safaris (Disney Parks Blog)During the major milestone out on the savanna, officials said Ranger charged out with energy, pride and enthusiasm. In a blog post, Disney’s animal keepers said on his first day Ranger took a nap, nursed and explored his new environment, plunging right into the mud alongside his mom. Disney officials said Kendi and Ranger will start spending more time on the savanna in the coming days.

Walt Disney World shares historic plans for 50th anniversary.

ORLANDO, Fla – Walt Disney World annual passholders will begin receiving some exclusive offerings on weekdays beginning Feb. 22. All of the new benefits will be given out at Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park. Try four exclusive beverages available for purchase at Restaurantosaurus Lounge: Tyrannosaurus Wreck, Fossil Fuel, Pterodactyl Punch, and Triceraberry Pop. Offer is available at Chester & Hester’s Dinosaur TreasuresThe offerings will be available through March 19 while supplies last. AdUse the form below to sign up for the ClickOrlando.com In the Loop: Theme Park Scoops newsletter, sent every Friday morning.

McKenzie said as the country began facing rising challenges in 2020, the idea of starting his own business grew. “There was a moment where I literally thought I was going to die and my body started to freeze up. Now, he owns a beachfront restaurant in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina called ‘J-Mike’s Flavor Station.”McKenzie started Table Ghost Kitchen with his girlfriend, Stevie Andujar, specializing in homemade cookies. Table Ghost Kitchen is now looking to expand and get its name out in the world. AdTo learn more about Table Ghost Kitchen visit their Facebook page and Instagram.

New character at animation experience and sand sculpture coming to Disney’s Animal KingdomORLANDO, Fla – Walt Disney World is adding a character from its upcoming film “Raya and the Last Dragon” to the Animation Experience. Beginning Feb. 22, guests will get the opportunity to draw the character Tuk Tuk. Animation experience at Disney's Animal Kingdom (Disney Parks Blog)Along with the new animation experience opportunity, officials said starting on Feb. 19 a number of artists will be working on a 40-ton sand sculpture celebrating the new film. Officials said the display will feature Raya, Tuk Tuk, Sisu the last dragon and the Ongi, all set in the fantasy world of Kumandra. Disney’s “Raya and the Last Dragon” will be released in both theaters and on Disney+ with premier access March 5.

ORLANDO, Fla. – More and more people are getting vaccinated in the fight against the coronavirus but that doesn’t mean Disney World is rolling back any of its COVID-19 safety requirements. In fact, the theme park company has updated its face covering requirement to say all parkgoers must wear one, regardless of whether they’ve had a COVID-19 vaccine. Please bring your own face coverings and wear them at all times, except when dining or swimming. According to Disney’s website, face coverings will be required in designated areas of the park for guests over the age of 2. However, face coverings will not be permitted while experiencing water slides or in the water.

When Disney theme parks reopened in Florida, live performance shows were quickly halted and the doors were shut. According to Disney officials, the show will make its return over the summer and take CDC guidelines into consideration. “We’ll also adjust how the audience is seated, in line with other theater-based experiences at Walt Disney World Resort. " If you’re not really into theater shows, Hakuna Matata. The stage show combines acrobatics, singing, flame-throwing, and even a little aerial dancing to create one heck of a Disney experience.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida’s director of emergency management said Thursday that a statewide appointment system for COVID-19 vaccinations should be ready within weeks, bringing order to the chaos marking Florida’s rollout of vaccines to its most vulnerable residents. He said a registration system could help alleviate the strain counties are now under as they deliver vaccinations. New claims for jobless benefits tripled last week in Florida as the new coronavirus continued taking its toll on the tourist-dependent state. Although some snowbirds who own homes in Florida say they have gotten vaccines while here in the Sunshine State. At some vaccination sites, seniors have had to be turned away because vaccine allotments had dried up.

ORLANDO, Fla – Walt Disney World officials on Tuesday finally announced the name of the newest baby white rhino born at Disney’s Animal Kingdom last October. The new rhino, born to mother Kendi, has been given the name Ranger. Disney officials said that the keeper team wanted the baby rhino’s name to have special significance, as well as honor the wildlife rangers who protect rhinos around the world. “We try not to have favorites, but our baby rhino has won us over with his spunky and curious nature. The pairing of Kendi and Dungan can also be seen in the Disney+ series, the “Magic of Disney’s Animal Kingdom.”Ranger born at Disney's Animal Kingdom in October 2020 (Disney)Keepers at Animal Kingdom said they plan to share more information when Ranger finally makes his debut onto the savanna at Kilimanjaro Safaris.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park guests encounter a brand-new experience aboard Kilimanjaro Safaris as they wrap up their journey through the Harambe Wildlife Reserve. The park welcomes a brand new species – Nigerian Dwarf Goats. Now, guests can add Nigerian dwarf goats to their must-see safari list. Guests will see the goats eat, sleep and play among a new warden outpost on the edge of the savanna. Nigerian Dwarf Goats Join Kilimanjaro Safaris (Walt Disney Imagineering)Guests can get up close with the goats at the affection section at Rafiki’s Planet Watch, which has now reopened to guests.

ORLANDO, Fla – Disney’s Animal Kingdom has welcomed two new Masai giraffe calves to its popular Kilimanjaro Safari Savanna. New photos show the moments the two calves named Maple and Zella made their way out into the public view Thursday. “Born just a couple of months ago, these two have spent a lot of time bonding backstage with their moms Mara and Willow, but this morning they joined the rest of the tower (family of giraffes) and were greeted by a few friendly neighbors, including zebra, wildebeest and springbok” said Dr. Mark Penning, Vice President, Disney’s Animals, Science & Environment, on his Instagram. Full Screen 1 / 5 A pair of Masai giraffe calves born just a month apart at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park get a warm welcome as they join the herd on the savanna, Dec. 3, 2020, at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.Penning informed viewers that Maple was given her name because keepers noticed one of the spots on her skin resembled a maple leaf while Zella’s name means “beautiful girl, who knows the path,” in Slavic and African languages. “These calves will start spending more time on the savanna in the coming days, so be on the lookout to see if you can spot them on your next safari adventure!” Penning said.

ORLANDO, Fla. – A 19-year-old Pompano Beach man is accused of attacking a security guard at Disney World at Animal Kingdom. James Patrick Arvid is facing charges of a battery on a uniformed security guard. The Orange County Sheriff’s Office said deputies responded to Animal Kingdom around 3:17 p.m. on Oct. 25. The Sheriff’s Office said Arvid was transported to Celebration Hospital for treatment as he was not being responsive to commands. According to an arrest affidavit, a doctor told deputies Arvid told a nurse “I took LSD and tried to kill someone.”Investigators said Arvid could not recall anything else from the day.

A 150-pound (68-kilogram) white rhinoceros was born at Disney's Animal Kingdom theme park at Walt Disney World in Florida over the weekend. The as-yet-named rhino was born to Kendi, who was the first white rhinoceros born at the animal theme park back in 1999. White rhinos are the second-largest land mammal and are an endangered species with a near-threatened status. Disney says it was the 11th white rhino born at Disney World, and two more are on the way. The theme park resort’s animal care team is keeping a watch on two other rhinos expected to give birth next year.

ORLANDO, Fla Walt Disney World said its set to roll out fall decorations and food offerings on Sept. 15. Guests visiting Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida from Sept. 15 to Oct. 31 will welcome autumns arrival on Main Street, U.S.A. with fall dcor and other seasonal offerings. (Disney Parks Blog)Guests will get the opportunity to enjoy attractions like the Haunted Mansion, see special Halloween-themed cavalcades with Mickey and his pals, try delicious mouth-watering foods and purchase spooktacular merchandise. Disney posted on its blog the food offerings that will be available to guests at all four parks. Hitchhiking Ghost Premium Popcorn Bucket and Madame Leota Sipper.

ORLANDO, Fla. Ten days after reopening after a COVID-19 shutdown, Walt Disney World is being forced to clamp down on its mask rules. When Disney World in Orlando reopened on July 11, visitors were required to wear masks at all times, except when taking a sip of their drinking and snacking. But it seems too many guests were multi-tasking and walking around the theme parks while eating and drinking without masks. On Monday, Disney clarified its policy. Now the park requires guests to stay in one place while eating and maintain appropriate physical distancing.

ORLANDO, Fla. Disney officials announced on Thursday that two of its attractions and one show would be closing for good. The news comes after all four Disney World parks officially reopened after being closed for months due to the coronavirus pandemic. [MORE DISNEY NEWS: Cinderellas Castle has a picture-perfect new look ahead of Walt Disney World reopening | Heres everything you should know before heading to Walt Disney Worlds phased reopening]Primeval Whirl in DinoLand U.S.A. at Disneys Animal Kingdom was also given the boot. The wacky coaster took guests on a wild adventure past cartoon dinosaurs as they prepared for their impending extinction. The ride was closed throughout the summer of 2019, but Disney officials did not say why.

Ron DeSantis executive order requiring all travelers coming to Florida by air and car from New York, New Jersey and Connecticut to self-quarantine for 14 days is still in effect, despite the reopening of Disney Worlds Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom. DeSantis signed Executive Order 20-82 on March 24, which included punishment for travelers who dont self-quarantine: up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine. An Orlando International Airport spokesperson said the Florida Department of Health stopped handing out the forms on June 26. Weeks ago, DeSantis said at a news conference that he would look at lifting the executive order but to date, it still stands. My advice to them is to follow the governors executive order, Demings said.

ORLANDO, Fla. The day has finally arrived for Disney fans to once again step foot inside The Most Magical Place on Earth.On Saturday, Walt Disney World opened up two of its four theme parks, Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom. Michelle Quenzel helps run the blog Streaming The Magic, which has spent the past few days inside the reopened parks. At other parks, youre allowed to walk around with a drink in your hand and mask off. Since the park is at a lower capacity, wait times for some popular rides were drastically reduced, according to the Walt Disney World app. MORE: Heres how you can meet your favorite characters during Walt Disney Worlds phased reopeningDisney has been opening its parks back up around the globe for the past two months.

7 things passholders noticed on their first day back to Magic Kingdom, Animal KingdomPublished: July 9, 2020, 7:43 pmWalt Disney World welcomed annual passholders Thursday in the first step toward reopening two of its parks to guests for the first time since mid-March following closures due to the coronavirus pandemic.

All rights reserved)ORLANDO, Fla. Disney World announced on Wednesday the theme parks are set to resume ticket sales and hotel bookings on Thursday. Thursday is also the same day some annual passholders can go to Animal Kingdom and Magic Kingdom. Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom will open to the public on Saturday and Hollywood Studios and EPCOT will open to the public on July 15. The theme parks also posted a page of everything a guest should know before going to the parks. Disney officials said temporary adjustments will be in place to promote physical distancing.

ORLANDO, Fla. Walt Disney World is getting ready to welcome back guests this week after being closed for months due to the coronavirus pandemic. Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom will reopen Saturday, July 11, and Disneys Hollywood Studios and Epcot will open July 15. The parks were closed in mid-March as coronavirus cases increased in Florida. Annual passholders will be able to get a preview on Thursday and Friday, ahead of Disneys reopening on Saturday. Florida has reported more than 200,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19 since March, with recent daily numbers hovering near 10,000 cases.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. Mickeys Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Disney World will not take place in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic, Disney posted online on Thursday. Disney World theme parks are set to open on July 11. The Magic Kingdom and the Animal Kingdom will open on July 11 and Epcot and Hollywood Studios will open on July 15. The theme parks have been closed since the middle of March. A decision on this years Mickeys Very Merry Christmas Party and the EPCOT Candlelight processional has not been made at this time, according to Disney.

ORLANDO, Fla. – Guests at Animal Kingdom were escorted off of a popular ride at Disney World on Thursday. Disney officials said first responders with Reedy Creek were called to check out possible smoke at the Flight of Passage ride. Guests were briefly evacuated, according to Disney. The guests were brought back after the ride was cleared and working again.

BAY LAKE, Fla. – It’s hard to believe it’s been 10 years since Avatar was released. Disney is offering guests special merchandise to commemorate the anniversary. Fans in Central Florida can immerse themselves in the world of Avatar by visiting Pandora - The World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Disney Parks Blog reports an anniversary adult T-shirt, stainless steel water bottle and lithograph will be available at Windtraders and Island Mercantile in Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

ORLANDO, Fla. – Multiple people were hurt in a crash involving a bus and an SUV near Disney's Animal Kingdom, Reedy Creek Fire Rescue officials said. Troopers said the crash involves an Isuzu SUV that was traveling south in the northbound lanes of Sherbeth Road. [PHOTOS: Crash near Disney's Animal Kingdom]The vehicles collided head-on and both caught fire, troopers said. Fiery wreck at #DisneyWorld, bus & SUV hit head on, 11 people in hospital. [DOWNLOAD: News 6 app for alerts]Charges are pending against the driver of the SUV as the crash remains under investigation, troopers said.

ORLANDO, Fla. – If you haven't scooped up one of Disney's most unusual treats, you're too late. Animal Kingdom at Disney World will no longer sell desserts shaped like animal droppings. The treats included items that looked like giraffe, elephant and rhino droppings. Disney told Local 6 that the desserts were just a test product and won't be coming back.

ORLANDO, Fla. – Three performers were fired from the "Festival of the Lion King" show at Disney's Animal Kingdom after they would not put on sweaty costumes, according to the Orlando Sentinel. The workers say other workers sweaty garments touched their clothes. Obviously, wearing these costume pieces isn't an option because they're soiled. Local 6 talked to a Disney representative who said, "We disagree with the assertion and will share the case with an arbitrator in December." Local 6 asked Disney if it could discuss the costume cleaning process, but the company was not able to comment further,

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – Guests at a popular Disney resort were forced to evacuate after a small fire caused heavy smoke Monday night. People at the Animal Kingdom Lodge were evacuated for close to two hours as Reedy Creek Firefighters contained a small fire. Firefighters said the fire started in a can in a storage room and created heavy smoke. As a precaution, Disney employees evacuated one wing of the resort and the restaurant. Reedy Creek Firefighters said the fire was contained, everyone was allowed back in and people or animals were injured.

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – A baby gorilla is adjusting to life at Disney after being born last week at Animal Kingdom. [PHOTOS: Baby gorilla born at Disney's Animal Kingdom]The baby boy, which has yet to be named, was born August 7 to mother Azizi and father Gino. Most gorilla mothers keep their offspring close for several months as the infants adjust to their environment, Disney said. The baby is the fourth gorilla born at Disney's Animal Kingdom. Gorillas are the largest of all primates, standing 5 to 6 feet tall and weighing up to 450 pounds.

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – A 6-year-old girl fell from a third-story balcony at Disney's Animal Kingdom Jambo House Resort over the holiday weekend, according to Orange County Sheriff's Office. Deputies said the girl was on vacation with her family when she fell off the balcony Monday night and into a savannah without animal access. Deputies said the father of the child was taking a shower when he heard his wife scream. The father went down the stairwell and jumped over a wall to get to his daughter, deputies say. The mother said the girl was reaching for something over the balcony railing and fell, according to the report.

ORLANDO, Fla. – Local 6 obtained the letter on Friday that the Orange County Health Department sent to guests who became ill after touring Disney Animal Kingdom's "Wild Africa Trek" in June. In the letter, dated July 18, 2012, the health department asks guests to complete a brief questionnaire over the phone. Symptoms were nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and in some cases vomiting, health department public information officer Dain Weister said. Weister confirmed none of the guests on the tour touch animals, and so officials have ruled out animal-to-human transmissions. While some guests thought it was a food-borne illness, that's also still unclear.

WALT DISNEY WORLD, Fla. – A light pole fell on a ride Wednesday afternoon at Animal Kingdom, forcing the park to shut it down. Park officials believe a gust of wind toppled the pole, which fell onto the tracks of Expedition Everest. Disney officials told Local 6 the ride was shut down for about an hour as light pole fell onto the rollercoaster tracks and halted the ride. The ride was closed but reopened after an inspection by crew members. Watch Local 6 News for more on this story.

ORLANDO, Fla. – Animal Kingdom's safari is expanding, and an audio-animatronic elephant will be replaced by real zebras. To make room, "Little Red" is going away. The cast member told guests over and over, "Little Red is OK" as the safari trucks drove by. The cast member was eliminated in a 2007 revamp that reduced the poacher storyline. Disney says the safari ride will remain open during the renovation work, which is due to be completed by the fall.