Disney’s Animal Kingdom Rolls Out New Enrichment Opportunities
- The geniuses over at Walt Disney Imagineering and the Walt Disney World Resort’s animal care team work together to create new, exciting enrichment opportunities for the animals at the park.
- By merging innovation and creativity, teams engineer activities that encourage natural behaviour patterns in the animals, enhancing their overall well-being.
Pioneering Enrichment With 3D Printing
- A prime example of their novel approach is the 3D printed, remote-controlled cheetah ball. Designed to get those speedy cats up and running, this ball harnesses their natural hunting instinct in a fun and engaging way.
Custom Enrichment For All Animals
- For demonstrating that not all heroes wear capes (some craft ice sculptures), we have Disney’s animal care team. They understand the unique needs of every animal and create enrichment to encourage behaviours like stalking, pawing, biting or clawing, thereby taking care of the well-being of the lions, or making a perfect chill-out spot for them.
Recycling – Enrichment’s Secret Ingredient
- Waste not, want not – the motto for Disney’s animal care team as they transform recycled materials into entertaining enrichment tools like warthog feeders or treat-storing faux logs. Yes, you heard it right, those water bottles you tossed in the trash could be the next hottest toy for a primate at Disney!
Holiday Spirit for Animals
- Even animals get in the holiday spirit at Disney – gorillas receive festively wrapped presents filled with their favourite treats. This festive twist encourages their natural foraging behaviours while providing park guests with an unforgettable experience.
The Realist’s Take
In a nutshell, Disney is giving a whole new meaning to “It’s a Jungle out there!” With 3D printed cheetah balls, recycled playthings, and an ice-cold spa for those hot lions; it’s official, their Animal Kingdom is more Hot Tub Time Machine than Lion King. So, if you’re planning a visit, don’t be surprised to see a primate using your old hotel sheets to build a fort! All of this ingenious enrichment has me wondering… when is Mickey Mouse going to get his own 3D printed cheese wheel?
https://wdwnews.com/releases/from-3d-printed-remote-controlled-toys-to-tasty-popsicles-even-disney-animals-are-having-fun/
