Finding Animals at Disney’s Animal Kingdom (List with Photos)
It can be challenging to find animals at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. The park has over 300 species of animals and provides a home to over 2000 animals. Throughout the park, you’ll find animal habitats around nearly every turn. If you take the time to look for them, you might be surprised. We have found that you can spend the better part of a day looking for animals.
With so many animals, I created this guide to help others locate them. This has been a pet project of mine for some time. However, since we last updated this article, a few new animals have now called the Animal Kingdom home. Sadly, as the circle of life continues, a few animals have passed away, and their habitats have not been replaced.
Unfortunately, we probably will never have every single animal listed in this guide. Many animals are part of Kilimanjaro Safaris, and you may or may not see them during your experience. But we will highlight the individual habitats in the park. We know where all the regulars are and stop in for a visit regularly.
If you want to learn more about the animals at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, we recommend watching The Magic of Disney’s Animal Kingdom on Disney+ before your visit. Two seasons are available as of this update. You will learn many interesting facts about the animals in the park. It also shares fun information like their names, habits, and what they like to eat.
![the entrance sign at Disney's Animal Kingdom](https://www.resortsgal.com/wp-content/uploads/the-animal-disney-animal-kingdom.jpg)
List of Animals at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Below, we’ve grouped the animals at Disney’s Animal Kingdom in order of the section of the park where you’ll find them. We’ve linked to articles that go into further depth about these areas where applicable if you want to learn more.
When looking for animals, you’ll want to keep a few things in mind. Many of the animals are most active first thing in the morning. For many, this is valuable touring time. But if you’re hoping to enjoy a slow-paced, relaxed day, this is the best time to see the animals. Additionally, if you stay late, we recommend riding the safari a second time. Often, we see the lions awake later in the day.
However, most other animals tend to go in at sunset. Other factors can play into your experience, like the weather. If you find yourself visiting on an unseasonably cool day, you might find the animals hiding to stay warm. If you can’t find a particular animal, ask an animal care specialist. They are typically positioned close to various exhibits from time to time.
Animals in The Oasis
When you first enter the park, you’re in an area called The Oasis. This area serves as a walkway to the park’s opening, where the Tree of Life sits in the distance. However, many don’t realize that The Oasis is an attraction with multiple exhibits.
The Oasis is home to the following animals:
- Spoonbill
- Reeve’s Muntjac
- Babirusa
- Rhinoceros Iguana
- Southern Giant Anteater
- Chilo Wigeon Duck
- Black-necked Swan
- Domestic Geese
Sadly, the black swans and the wallaby have passed away in recent years.
![a black-necked swan at Disney's Animal Kingdom](https://www.resortsgal.com/wp-content/uploads/black-necked-swans-animal-kingdom-animals.jpg)
![a Babirusa at Disney's Animal Kingdom](https://www.resortsgal.com/wp-content/uploads/babirusa-animals-disneys-animal-kingdom.jpg)
![Domestic White Geese at Disney's Animal Kingdom](https://www.resortsgal.com/wp-content/uploads/disneys-animal-kingdom-white-swans.jpg)
![a Rhinoceros Iguana at Disney's Animal Kingdom](https://www.resortsgal.com/wp-content/uploads/oasis-rhinoceros-iguana-disneys-animal-kingdom.jpg)
![spoonbill at Disney's Animal Kingdom](https://www.resortsgal.com/wp-content/uploads/oasis-exhibits-disneys-animal-kingdom-045.jpg)
![an anteater at Disney's Animal Kingdom](https://www.resortsgal.com/wp-content/uploads/oasis-exhibits-disneys-animal-kingdom-southern-giant-anteater.jpg)
![a Reeves Muntjac at Disney's Animal Kingdom](https://www.resortsgal.com/wp-content/uploads/oasis-exhibits-disneys-animal-kingdom-074.jpg)
Bonus: Make sure you go over the suspension bridge and walk through the cave while exploring!
![a bridge to see more animals at Disney's Animal Kingdom](https://www.resortsgal.com/wp-content/uploads/oasis-disneys-animal-kingdom-suspension-bridge.jpg)
Discovery Island Trails
At the top of The Oasis, you’ll continue into an area called Discovery Island. This is where the Tree of Life first comes into view. If your children are interested in seeing animals, you’ll want to stop here on the immediate right and pick up a Wilderness Explorer’s guidebook.
At some point during your day, you’ll want to make time to see a show called Winged Encounters. This performance takes place multiple times per day. It lasts about five minutes, so it won’t take up much of your touring time. It’s an excellent offering. We stop to see it every time we have the chance.
During the show, cast members educate guests about Macaws and discuss why they do not make good pets. At one point, a tremendous group of macaws flew through and landed in the area. They consist of Scarlet, Military, and Hyacinth. When the presentation is over, they all fly off at once. Don’t be surprised if you feel their feathers as they take off. It’s an incredible experience.
![Macaws at Disney's Animal Kingdom](https://www.resortsgal.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/AnimalKingdomAnimals-12.jpg)
Here is a list of other animal habitats in the Discovery Island area of the park. You’ll find these animals surrounding the Tree of Life. A few can be seen up close from the Tree of Life Garden Trails and Discovery Island Trail.
- Lesser Flamingos
- Asian Small-Clawed Otters
- Cotton Top Tamarins
- Red Kangaroo
- Lappet Face Vulture
- Shark Catfish
- White Stork
- Ring Tail Lemur
- Brown Collar Lemur
- African Crested Porcupine (They were out foraging on a recent visit.)
- Giant Galapagos Tortoise
*We’ll have new photos coming soon.
Macaws
![a macaw at Disney's Animal Kingdom](https://www.resortsgal.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/AnimalKingdomAnimals-92.jpg)
Lesser Flamingos
![lesser flamingos at Disney's Animal Kingdom](https://www.resortsgal.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/flamingos.jpg)
Asian Small-Clawed Otters
![otters at Disney's Animal Kingdom](https://www.resortsgal.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/AnimalKingdomAnimals-44.jpg)
Cotton Top Tamarins
![cotton top tamarin at Disney's Animal Kingdom](https://www.resortsgal.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/AnimalKingdomAnimals-37.jpg)
Red Kangaroo
![a red kangaroo at Disney's Animal Kingdom](https://www.resortsgal.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/AnimalKingdomAnimals-38.jpg)
Lappet Face Vulture
![vulture sign at Disney's Animal Kingdom](https://www.resortsgal.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/AnimalKingdomAnimals-45.jpg)
Shark Catfish
![shark catfish at Disney's Animal Kingdom](https://www.resortsgal.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/AnimalKingdomAnimals-42.jpg)
White Stork
![white stork at Disney's Animal Kingdom](https://www.resortsgal.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/stork-edited.jpg)
Ring Tailed Lemurs
![ring tailed lemurs at Disney's Animal Kingdom](https://www.resortsgal.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/AnimalKingdomAnimals-41.jpg)
Brown Collared Lemurs
![brown collared lemurs at Disney's Animal Kingdom](https://www.resortsgal.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/AnimalKingdomAnimals-28.jpg)
African Crested Porcupine
![African porcupine at Disney's Animal Kingdom](https://www.resortsgal.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/AnimalKingdomAnimals-65.jpg)
Giant Galapagos Tortoise
![galapagos tortoise at Disney's Animal Kingdom](https://www.resortsgal.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/AnimalKingdomAnimals-82.jpg)
Kilimanjaro Safaris
While I can’t list every animal you can expect to see on the safari, I will list a few highlights. This attraction is home to over 34 species of animals. It’s truly an incredible experience that’s worth doing at least twice during your visit. The safari entrance sits near the back of the Africa section of the park.
- White Rhinos
- Bongo
- Springbok
- African Wild Dogs
- Masai Giraffe
- Wildebeests
- Ankole Cattle
- Mandrills
- African Elephant
- Cheetah
- Lions
- African Hogs
- Black Rhinos
- Nile Crocodile
- Eland
- Ostrich
- Bontebok
- Sable Antelope
- Hippopotamus
- Pink-Backed Pelican
- Flamingos
White Rhinos
![white rhino](https://www.resortsgal.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/AnimalKingdomAnimals-02.jpg)
Bongo
![Bongo](https://www.resortsgal.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/AnimalKingdomAnimals-57.jpg)
Springbok
![a Springbok at Disney's Animal Kingdom](https://www.resortsgal.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/KilimanjaroSafaris-201-1.jpg)
African Wild Dogs
![African Wild Dogs at Disney's Animal Kingdom](https://www.resortsgal.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/AnimalKingdomAnimals-05.jpg)
Masai Giraffe
![Giraffes at Disney's Animal Kingdom](https://www.resortsgal.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/AnimalKingdomAnimals-04.jpg)
Wildebeests
![Wildebeests at Disney's Animal Kingdom](https://www.resortsgal.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/AnimalKingdomAnimals-56.jpg)
Ankole Cattle
![Ankole Cattle at Disney's Animal Kingdom](https://www.resortsgal.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/AnimalKingdomAnimals-52.jpg)
Mandrills
![Mandrills at Disney's Animal Kingdom](https://www.resortsgal.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/AnimalKingdomAnimals-34.jpg)
African Elephants
![Elephants at Disney's Animal Kingdom](https://www.resortsgal.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/AnimalKingdomAnimals-03.jpg)
Cheetah
![Cheetah at Disney's Animal Kingdom](https://www.resortsgal.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/AnimalKingdomAnimals-54.jpg)
Lion
![a sleeping lion at Disney's Animal Kingdom](https://www.resortsgal.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/AnimalKingdomAnimals-53.jpg)
African Hogs
![African Hogs at Disney's Animal Kingdom](https://www.resortsgal.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/AnimalKingdomAnimals-62.jpg)
Black Rhinos
![black rhinos at Disney's Animal Kingdom](https://www.resortsgal.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/AnimalKingdomAnimals-59.jpg)
Nile Crocodile
![crocodile at Disney's Animal Kingdom](https://www.resortsgal.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/AnimalKingdomAnimals-08.jpg)
Eland
![Eland at Disney's Animal Kingdom](https://www.resortsgal.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/AnimalKingdomAnimals-06.jpg)
Ostrich
![Ostrich at Disney's Animal Kingdom](https://www.resortsgal.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/AnimalKingdomAnimals-33.jpg)
Bontebok
![Bontebok at Disney's Animal Kingdom](https://www.resortsgal.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/AnimalKingdomAnimals-07.jpg)
Sable Antelope
![Sable antelope at Disney's Animal Kingdom](https://www.resortsgal.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/AnimalKingdomAnimals-36.jpg)
Hippopotamus
![Hippo at Disney's Animal Kingdom](https://www.resortsgal.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/AnimalKingdomAnimals-98.jpg)
Pink Backed Pelican
![pink backed pelican at Disney's Animal Kingdom](https://www.resortsgal.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/AnimalKingdomAnimals-94.jpg)
Flamingos
![flamingos on the safari at Disney's Animal Kingdom](https://www.resortsgal.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/AnimalKingdomAnimals-97.jpg)
Again, these are just a few of the Disney animals you might see on safari. The best seat on the safari is on the left-hand (driver) side of the vehicle. From this side, you’ll have a better opportunity to see the elephants, mandrills, cheetahs, and lions. But it’s not the end of the world if you are seated on the opposite side.
Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail
When you exit Kilimanjaro Safaris, Gorilla Falls Exploration is on the right. This trail allows visitors to see gorillas and several other animals.
- Colobus Monkey’s
- Okapi
- Hippopotamus
- Western Lowland Gorillas
- Meerkats
- Grevy’s Zebra
- Birds (Aviary)
Fun Fact: Gino, a Western Lowland Gorilla, was one of the opening-day animals at Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park.
Colobus Monkey’s
![Colobus Monkey at Disney's Animal Kingdom](https://www.resortsgal.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/AnimalKingdomAnimals-89.jpg)
Okapi
![Okapi at Disney's Animal Kingdom](https://www.resortsgal.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/KilimanjaroSafaris-192.jpg)
Hippopotamus
![Hippopotamus at Disney's Animal Kingdom](https://www.resortsgal.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/AnimalKingdomAnimals-88.jpg)
Gorillas
![Lowland Gorillas at Disney's Animal Kingdom](https://www.resortsgal.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/AnimalKingdomAnimals-85.jpg)
Meerkats
![Meerkat at Disney's Animal Kingdom](https://www.resortsgal.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/AnimalKingdomAnimals-93.jpg)
Grevy’s Zebra
![Zebras at Disney's Animal Kingdom](https://www.resortsgal.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/AnimalKingdomAnimals-35.jpg)
Birds
![a bird with spotted tail feathers at Disney's Animal Kingdom](https://www.resortsgal.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/AnimalKingdomAnimals-83.jpg)
My favorite animals in this area are the gorillas. They have a unique habitat here at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. One of the animal care guides told me that the gorillas can tell by the angle of the sun when the day is almost done. They usually begin to line up in one area to go in for the day as the sun sets. They know it’s time for their daily treat.
Maharajah Jungle Trek
The next trail featuring animals is the Maharajah Jungle Trek. The big draw here is the Sumatran tigers. As mentioned earlier, they often can be found napping the later the day gets. Your chance of seeing them in action is greater before lunchtime.
The trail is also home to a lazy dragon, macaques (very entertaining Old World monkeys), real hanging bats, various savanna animals, and a tremendous bird sanctuary.
Komodo Dragon
![komodo dragon at Disney's Animal Kingdom](https://www.resortsgal.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/AnimalKingdomAnimals-87.jpg)
Lion Tailed Macaques
![Lion Tailed Macaques](https://www.resortsgal.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/AnimalKingdomAnimals-16.jpg)
Bats
![bats](https://www.resortsgal.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/MaharajahJungleTrek-21-1.jpg)
Tree Monitor
![a tree monitor at Disney's Animal Kingdom](https://www.resortsgal.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/AnimalKingdomAnimals-15.jpg)
Skink
![a skink at Disney's Animal Kingdom](https://www.resortsgal.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/AnimalKingdomAnimals-14.jpg)
Sumatran Tigers
![a Sumatran tiger at Disney's Animal Kingdom](https://www.resortsgal.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/AnimalKingdomAnimals-91.jpg)
Water Buffalo
![water buffalo at Disney's Animal Kingdom](https://www.resortsgal.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/AnimalKingdomAnimals-86.jpg)
Birds
![bird with reddish brown breast](https://www.resortsgal.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/AnimalKingdomAnimals-01.jpg)
The tigers are a favorite here for most guests. However, if you have the time, I encourage you to really explore the trail in its entirety. It’s extremely peaceful and includes beautiful artwork in the form of murals along the way.
Bird lovers will want to take their time in the sanctuary toward the end. There’s so much more than meets the eye here if you take the time to look a bit closer. I’m always amazed at the variety of birds hiding in the foliage.
Animals in Disney’s Animal Kingdom’s Asia
Additionally, you’ll find two different Gibbon habitats in Asia near the entrance of Kali River Rapids. The first is the Siamangs. They are on the main walkway between Asia and Expedition Everest.
Gibbons
![Gibbons exhibit at Disney's Animal Kingdom](https://www.resortsgal.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/AnimalKingdomAnimals-19.jpg)
Siamangs
![Siamangs](https://www.resortsgal.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/AnimalKingdomAnimals-21.jpg)
The other habitat sits a little further back, close to Maharajah Jungle Trek, and offers white-cheeked Gibbons. There are often a few of these that are a solid golden color. The gibbons are very entertaining.
Dinoland U.S.A. Animals
You might be surprised to find a few animal viewing areas over in the Dinoland U.S.A. portion of the park. To me, these seem to be easily overlooked unless you are specifically looking for them.
Here are the ones you can expect to see.
American Crocodile
![The American Crocodile](https://www.resortsgal.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/AnimalKingdomAnimals-26.jpg)
Abdim Stork
![Abdim Stork](https://www.resortsgal.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/AnimalKingdomAnimals-24.jpg)
Asian Brown Tortoise
![brown tortoise](https://www.resortsgal.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/AnimalKingdomAnimals-25.jpg)
The Abdim stork and Asian Bown tortoise share a habitat. If you notice, the photo with the birds above actually has a tortoise in it toward the middle. The brown shell tends to blend in with the landscape.
The American crocodile is fairly interesting. It can be seen quite closely when there are not many guests crowding around.
The park’s map also lists the Tyrannosaurus Rex as an animal highlight in Dinoland. The fossil has an interesting story behind it. Dino-Sue is a replica of the largest (and most complete) T-Rex fossil found to date. The original fossil was unearthed in South Dakota in 1990 and is on display at the Fields Museum in Chicago.
Rafiki’s Planet Watch
Our last area of the park to observe animals is very kid-friendly. It also requires a train ride to access. Rafiki’s Planet Watch has a friendly area called the Affection Section that serves as a petting zoo.
Pineywood Cows
![piney wood cow](https://www.resortsgal.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/AnimalKingdomAnimals-74.jpg)
Sheep
![sheep](https://www.resortsgal.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/AnimalKingdomAnimals-76.jpg)
Goat
![goat](https://www.resortsgal.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/AnimalKingdomAnimals-75.jpg)
Inside the Conservation Station area, you’ll also encounter a large variety of different species, including reptiles and insects. Below are some of the things you’ll see.
African Bullfrog
![an African bullgros](https://www.resortsgal.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/AnimalKingdomAnimals-69.jpg)
Eel
![eel](https://www.resortsgal.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/AnimalKingdomAnimals-70.jpg)
Tarantula
![tarantula](https://www.resortsgal.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/AnimalKingdomAnimals-72.jpg)
Final Thoughts on the Animals at Animal Kingdom
Hopefully, this guide has given you a good idea of what animals you can find at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Most will agree that a day spent here is unlike any other. Where else could you visit and have the opportunity to see so many animals? Including some that are even listed on the endangered species list? And still, be able to visit other theme parks with major thrill attractions all in a week’s vacation?
Vacation is typically a time to let the world go and spend time with your loved ones. It’s one of the things we all work so hard to provide for our families. Don’t forget to savor these moments and the conversations they foster. These are the kind of memories that will not be long forgotten.
Speaking of vacation, you might enjoy browsing our Disney World Hotel Reviews. And if you want to stay near the animals, you’ll love a stay at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. We have a review of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge.
For more planning, you might enjoy our Disney’s Animal Kingdom Planning Guide. Or try some of the following:
- Pandora, World of Avatar Guide
- Discovery Island Trails Guide
- Rafiki’s Planet Watch Guide
- Maharajah Jungle Trek
Have fun finding the animals at Animal Kingdom Park! Leave a comment below, and let me know which ones you are hoping to see.