Rafiki's Planet Watch--Disney's Animal Kingdom
Who can forget Rafiki? He was one of the central characters in Disney’s “The Lion King” film and still has a starring role in the stage production of the Lion King story. He was wise and worldly and well-respected, so it’s no surprise Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park would have an entire section dedicated to Rafiki. Rafiki’s Planet Watch is an extension of the Africa area of Animal Kingdom. This area is dedicated to educating guests about animal habitats and the importance of animal conservation. Rafiki’s Planet Watch is the spot where guests can hop onboard the Wildlife Express and take a trip to Planet Watch.
Planet Watch is comprised of three sections: Habitat Habit!, where guests can learn about cottontop tamarins and how conservationists are striving to protect these fascinating animals’ habitat; Conservation Station, where guests will learn how the Walt Disney Company is working to protect animal habitats throughout the world and see the actual veterinary facilities of Animal Kingdom; and Affection Section, which is a turbo-charged petting zoo where guests can touch goats, sheep, and other domesticated animals.
Rafiki’s Planet Watch gives guests the opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes glimpse on how animals are cared for at Animal Kingdom. If you get to Conservation Station at certain times of the day, particularly in the morning, you can actually see animals being cared for by the staff veterinarians.
Animals lovers or anyone interested in nature conservation will not want to miss Rafiki’s Planet Watch. You may even get a chance to see the great Rafiki himself!
