A Great Big Banteng

The Banteng is a species of wild cattle found in Southeast Asia. And here, at Disney, they are found towards the end of the Maharajah Jungle Trek. This exhibit is not far from their main predator, the tiger.

Although not as big as some other species of wild cattle, such as the Gaur, these guys are impressive. This male is huge. Some can weigh nearly a ton.

by Safari Mike (@JamboEveryone)

An Itchy Addax

We here at JamboEveryone.com all approve wholeheartedly of the addition of the addax herd to the end of the Kilimanjaro Safaris. These unique and gorgeous animals tell a great story and make for even better photos. This one, however, decided to scratch an itch just as I got in good position for a photograph.

by Dave McBride (@RadioHarambe)

Chilling

The ring tailed lemurs always seem to draw spectators. Like many primates, they are active during the day and seem to be constantly on the move. And these guys have such distinctive coloration that people just love them.

But maybe the biggest reason they are so popular is they are so much like us. Especially, apparently, when they are just sitting back and relaxing. Heck, there must be a ballgame on something.

by Safari Mike (@JamboEveryone)

Lunch at Kidani Village

At Kidani Village, animal specialists know where to put lunch. They will put little snacks out near popular viewing spots throughout the day. This entices the animals to come close to guests. It is a ploy that has been used in zoos ever since creating larger, naturalistic exhibits became the norm. Food is one sure fire way to get animals where you want them to go.

Here, a few beautiful roan antelope are snacking. There are about 75,000 roans still roaming the plains of Central and West Africa. In Kidani, they share the Sunset savanna with many other species such as the giraffe and eland seen in the background.

An Award for Helping a Beautiful Bird

A couple of weeks ago we reported on how Disney's Animal Kingdom won a prestigious award from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums for their participation in the species survival plan for the Golden Taveta Weaver. The weaver is a bright little bird, about the size of a sparrow, who loves to build nests, making often many of them in a single tree.

To learn a bit more about this bird check out Safari Mike's article. If you want to see one for yourself, head over to the aviary in the Pangani Forest Exploration trail...at least when it reopens.

by Dave McBride (@RadioHarambe)

Happy Cat Day!

Apparently, this week included National Cat Day. Now, I know this day is meant to celebrate house cats and such, but at Disney's Animal Kingdom the house cats tend to be just a bit larger. Like this precious "little" girl photographed on the Kilimanjaro Safaris this summer...

How great is it to come around the corner and as the lion habitat comes in view to see one of them actually awake? The buzz in the truck hits a new level when the lions put on a show.

by Dave McBride (@RadioHarambe)

It's Always a Good Time for Giraffe Photos!

Those of us who love photographing the animals of Disney's Animal Kingdom and the Animal Kingdom Lodge are always forever grateful for the incredibly photogenic collection of giraffes who make their home there. Besides being beautiful, these guys are usually not at all camera shy.

These giraffes are all from the Masai species and were photographed here on the Kilimanjaro Safaris. Can you tell the difference?

by Dave McBride (@RadioHarambe)

The Clock is Ticking to Save the Blue-throated Macaw!

If you frequent this photo safari, you are probably going to be very familiar with macaws, as the new Winged Encounters show offers some amazing photo opportunities. This is one of the stars of the show, a Blue-throated macaw.

These guys come out first, because they are extremely rare and the hosts want to talk about them a bit. You see, thanks to the pet trade, there are literally only hundreds of these birds left in the wild.

by Dave McBride (@RadioHarambe)

The Perfect Surroundings

The White Cheeked Gibbons are one of the most entertaining species to watch at Disney's Animal Kingdom, found in between the entrances to Kail River Rapids and the Maharajah Jungle Trek. They also happen to have one of the most stunningly beautiful habitats, as they have made their home out of an ancient temple which is currently being restored by the people of Anandapur.

Oh, and in case you were wondering, I have absolutely no idea why this girl was pointing her foot at me. I can only assume that was her favorite pose.

by Dave McBride (@RadioHarambe)

Stars of the Savanna

Fans of the Animal Kingdom Lodge will certainly recognize the beautiful West African Crowned- Crane. These ornate bird are all over the savannas of the lodge and are often heard making quite the racket at all hours of the day.

by Dave McBride (@RadioHarambe)

Let's Do the Watusi!

It is hard to visit the Harambe Wildlife Reserve or the Animal Kingdom Lodge and not notice the Ankole cattle, also known as Watusi cattle. Their enormous horns are really hard to miss.

by Dave McBride (@RadioHarambe)

A Big Brother Again!

In honor of today's great news from Disney's Animal Kingdom about the birth of another baby Lowland Gorilla, I thought I would post one of my favorite photos from the gorilla exhibit in the Pangani Forest Exploration Trail. Here is one of the family group's new big brother.

by Dave McBride (@RadioHarambe)

Happy World Rhino Day!

Much of the conservation world recognizes this day as World Rhino Day. As we have been saying here, Disney recognizes tomorrow as Elephant and Rhino Day but we will celebrate rhinos with the rest of the world today as well.

by Dave McBride (@RadioHarambe)

A Sable of a Symbol

Here is a photo of the Sable Antelope. You will recognize this beautiful species as the inspirational symbol of the Harambe Wildlife Reserve.

by Dave McBride (@RadioHarambe)

A Stork in Dinoland?

There are a few animal exhibits in DinoLand USA including american crocodiles and tortoises. There are also these guys, Abdim's storks.

Birds, you see, are now considered to be the descendants of one branch of dinosaurs. So it makes a lot of sense to have a species of bird on display near the Dino Institute. And why these storks, they kind of have a reptilian look about them no?

Photo by Dave McBride (@RadioHarambe)
Text by Safari Mike (@JamboEveryone)

Moving On Up!

The cotton-top tamarins just received a brand new and much improved home on Discovery Island, over by the Creature Comforts store. Slowly but surely, they will be introduced to their swanky new digs, so keep a look out for them. This photo was taken in their old habitat.

by Dave McBride (@RadioHarambe)

Keep Swingin'!

The white-cheeked gibbons are some of the animals that are the most fun to watch at Disney's Animal Kingdom. Located in Asia near the entrances the Maharajah Jungle Trek and Kali River Rapids, they are often found swinging and playing to the delight of onlookers.

by Dave McBride (@RadioHarambe)

It's Always a Good Time for a Zebra Photo

It occurs to me that it has been a little while since I posted a zebra photo. So without further adieu...

by Dave McBride (@RadioHarambe)

Getting to Know You

When this photo was taken, in late 2013, this springbok was new to the savanna at Kilimanjaro Safaris. They were still a little nervous about trucks, and maybe not all that comfortable with the humungous eland in the background!

by Dave McBride (@RadioHarambe)

Always Alert!

You can always find something to be amazed by at Flight of Wonder, and this Harris Hawk is no exception. As part of the pre-show, guests were able to get up close with this gorgeous bird of prey. Did you know Harris Hawks hunt in teams?

by Dave McBride (@RadioHarambe)

A Little Afternoon Dip

The small-clawed asian otters recently had some woe done on their habitat in Discovery Island. Have you spent anytime watching these guys? If not, you really should because they can often be hilarious and playful.

by Dave McBride (@RadioHarambe)

Keep On Chewing!

Kidani Village is one of the best places anywhere in America to watch and photograph reticulated giraffes.  The best time is when the "lunch truck" comes around, which happened just a few seconds before this photo was taken.

by Dave McBride (@RadioHarambe)

A Hidden Set of Legs

Here is a great photographic example of what makes Kilimanjaro the premier attraction at Disney's Animal Kingdom, and one of the best ever created by Imagineers.  Despite the incredible view, there are real patter son's elands and not robots.

And I use a plural because there actually are two elands in this photograph.  Even though you can only see one at first look, notice the extra set of legs...

by Dave McBride (@RadioHarambe)

One Toucan Can

It never ceases to amaze me how many people tell me they go to Disney's Animal Kingdom but didn't see the Flights of Wonder show.  Please folks, it is an incredibly entertaining and learning experience.  Take this gorgeous toucan for example.  Where leas are you going to see one of these?  And this is just the pre show!

by Dave McBride (@RadioHarambe)

Jungle Jim's Animal Portraits: Nobody Invited Me!

It's been a while since Jungle Jim sent us one of his beautiful portraits from Disney's Animal Kingdom.  This one is of a male White-Cheeked Gibbon found over near the entrance to Kali River Rapids.

With Disney's Animal Kingdom celebrating Primate Day this week, it really does look as though this guy may have been left off the VIP list...it's that "have a magical day" kind of look.

photo by Jungle Jim

There's a Primate Party Somewhere??

This past week saw Disney's Animal Kingdom celebrate Primate Day, but it seems like this impressive bachelor silverback wasn't all that interested.

photo by Dave McBride (@RadioHarambe)

Getting Ready for a New Day

The West African Crowned Crane is one of the most impressive birds found among Disney's family of wildlife.  They are big and elegant and can be found at both the Flights of Wonder and along the savannas at the Animal Kingdom Lodge.  I took this photo early in the morning at Kidani Village, as these two cranes were getting ready for a new day.

If you would like to learn a little bit more about this species, head on over to the Safari Mike blog where he did a post on the West Africa Crowned Crane earlier in the year.

photo by Dave McBride (@RadioHarambe)

Happy Big Cat Day!

That's correct, today Disney's Animal Kingdom is celebrating Big Cat Day, which is also know in the conservation community as Global Tiger Day.  So what would make a better choice for today's photo safari than a picture of one of the majestic tigers at the Maharajah Jungle Trek?

photo by Dave McBride

Let's Catch Some Poachers!

It's been a long time since we posted some elephant pictures, and who does't love elephant pictures?? This lone make me think back to the days of Big Red and Little Red.  You wanna help Warden Wilson catch those poachers??

by Dave McBride (@RadioHarambe)

Looks Like a Good Idea to Me

I love lions, and I really love the lions found on Kilimanjaro Safaris.  Most people are frustrated by them, especially those looking for a good photograph.  People get their cameras ready, only to see a lion colored bump on a log hidden behind some rocks or grass.  But sometimes a resting lion can also be a photogenic lion.

I have as many great photos of a lion napping as I do of a lion awake.  I love the relaxed and totally chilled out expression on this girl.  She's keeping cool and enjoying some relaxation time.

by Dave McBride (@RadioHarambe)

Jungle Jim's Animal Portraits: A Long Lost Friend

It's hard to believe I have been adding photos to this blog for months now and never added an image of a Komodo Dragon from the Maharajah Jungle Trek.  It's strange because this dragon was simply one of my absolute favorites to photograph.

Jungle Jim captured this image a few months ago, which means this particular dragon is no longer there, as he passed away earlier this year.  He was at DAK for years, and I think he might have been original to the Trek.  And let me tell you, when we found out about his passing we were all more than a bit saddened.  I have spent quite some time over the years, camera in hand, photographer this gorgeous and fascinating animal.

by Dave McBride (@Radio Harambe)
Photo by Jungle Jim

Jungle Jim's Animal Portraits: A Hippo Out of Water

Kilimanjaro Safaris is the greatest attraction in Disney World!  Okay, maybe that's just our opinion, but we love it so much not just because of the amazing animals and the second-to-none design but because every ride is truly different.  If you are a Safari veteran, you will know there are a handful of animals you hope to get real good glimpse of because they are often hiding in the woods or behind a rock.  In the case of the hippos, they are usually almost entirely submerged, making a good photo next to impossible.

But occasionally, especially if you go on Safari when it's cool or raining, you will find a hippo walking the water's edge chomping on some grass.  And that is exactly the opportunity Jungle Jim got when he posted this gorgeous close-up.

photo by Jungle Jim

Let's Go Climb A Tree!

How many of us would have loved to be able to do this when we were kids?  This little one found on the Pangani Forest Exploration Trail had no problems at all!

Whenever we feature a species of animal one of our Conservation Partners are working to help we always like to remind our readers how we can help save them.  Go to the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund to see how we can help these amazing gorillas in the wild.

photo by Dave McBride (@RadioHarambe)

Photo Bombing at the Tree of Life!

We talk a lot on Jambo Everyone about the so-called "hidden gems" of Disney's Animal Kingdom, the amazing little things that most guests walk right past on their way to making a FastPass return time.  One of those gems is the pathways around the Tree of Life, where you will find some cute-as-heck Kangaroos and, apparently, African Crowned Cranes.

This photo was meant to be a photo of a slumbering kangaroo, and a nice one at that.  Than up from the bottom of my view finder popped this crane!  I was a victim of a photo bomb by a bird.

by Dave McBride (@RadioHarambe)

Jump Right In!

It is almost impossible to not use the word "cute" when looking at the Asian Small-Clawed Otters found on Discovery Island by the Tree of Life.  These guys are adorable and very fun to watch, as they chase each other around the habitat.  This photo was taken just seconds before the otter dove into the water head first.

by Dave McBride (@RadioHarambe)

Jungle Jim's Animal Portraits: A Walking Nap?

One of the things you may not know about Jungle Jim is that he doesn't go to Disney's Animal Kingdom all that often.  He is a dedicated full-time tourist who travels the world in search of the perfect Pina Colada or just the right pair of Bermuda shorts.  But when he does get to DAK, he often sends us more than a couple stunning animal portraits, like this beautifully detailed close-up of a bull elephant at Kilimanjaro Safaris.

Notice how his eyes are closed.  When I first picked this photo, I went back into Jim's files to look for another just like it but without what assumed was just blinking eyes.  Like most photographers, Jim takes dozens of images all at once to capture as many photos as possible.  And with this elephant he had about three dozen all from the same angle and all within the same thirty second timeframe as the elephant walked slowly across the field of view.  But what stunned me was that in every single photo, this guy had his eyes closed?  He was walking with his eyes closed?  Was it too bright?  Or was he taking an elephant's version of a midday nap?

Roan Antelope Stares Back

The Animal Kingdom Lodge offers perhaps the best opportunity for great photos of Africa's amazing animals.  Give yourself some time and take plenty of shots, and you can have an absolute library of great photos.  This one is of the Roan Antelope found at the Jambo House a few years back.  

This antelope seemed to stare into my camera lens for what seemed like five minutes.  I like this show because the back light brings out the incredible horn structure.  Thanks pal!

by Dave McBride (@RadioHarambe)

Siamang Action

While they may spend most of their time way up in the air, and far away from your camera, the troop of Siamangs make from some great photography.  You may not get the detail and the close-ups we always like, but you will get some great action shots.

It may cause a little bit of a stiff-neck, but it's worth it.  These guys are hilarious to watch and magnificently athletic.   Some of the moves they pull off at this altitude can be amazing.

by Dave McBride (@RadioHarambe)

Jungle Jim's Animal Portraits: Giraffe in Heaven

If you are looking to take some animal photos at Disney's Animal Kingdom or the Animal Kingdom Lodge, you will notice there are a few species that just seem to love the camera.  The giraffes are certainly near the top of that list, and Jungle Jim has dozens and dozens of great portraits of these popular and lovable creatures.

Even someone who only takes photos occasionally, and uses a phone or cheap camera, can get some great shots of the giraffes, especially at Kidani Village.  Just be patient and wait for them to come closer.  The reward can be worth the wait.

Horns in the Woods

I, for one, love the addition of the Addax herd to the end of the Kilimanjaro Safaris ride.  They are strikingly beautiful animals and the fact that there is only a handful left in the wild makes for a great conservation story.  But, for reasons I can't quite understand, they are very hard for me to photograph!

There is something about the lighting in that area that makes it difficult.  Sunlight beams through the thick forest and reflects brightly off the animal's white fur and it drives my lens crazy!!  The movement of the trucks in this area doesn't help either.  Also, the addax seem to know exactly where in the habitat to stand to best avoid the cameras.  I promise, I will do better...

by Dave McBride (@RadiHarambe)

Because I'm Happy!

Flights of Wonder may top the list of the "under-appreciated attractions" at Disney's Animal Kingdom.  And one of those reasons for that is most people tend to ignore it, and end up missing seeing some incredible birds like this majestic Hyacinth macaw, who always seems to be happy and smiling for the cameras.

Hyacinth macaws are the biggest of the flying parrots.  (Yes, there are flightless parrots.)  Unfortunately, photographs tend not to properly portray the size but this bird was probably almost 3 feet from tail to beak.  Notice a handler isn't trying to hold him.

by Dave McBride (@RadioHarambe)

Something of a Reluctant Arrangement

Jungle Jim spotted these two wildebeests during a trip to the Animal Kingdom.  As the story goes, the one on the left was enjoying a quiet, peaceful and solitary afternoon until the one on the right decided to join in.  The look on their faces says this may have been something of a reluctant arrangement.

Despite their somewhat less than adorable appearance, the wildebeest is one of the single most important species to the ecosystem of the african plains.  To learn more about them, check out Safari Mike's recent posting.

Photo by Jungle Jim

Just Resting Her Eyes

I really could make an entire blog of just tiger photographs I have taken over the years at the Maharajah Jungle Trek, I have that many photos in my archive.  And this is a favorite of mine from around 2007 or so.

I simply love the chilled out and relaxed expression this girl has.  My wife has this look a lot on a weekend afternoon and when I ask if she is taking a nap the response I get is "I'm just resting my eyes."  Life is good in Disney's Animal Kingdom I guess.

photo by Dave McBride (@RadioHarambe)

A Room With a View

How many time have you gone past the lion habitat on Kilimanjaro Safaris only to see a sleeping lump in the brush?  Well, on this trip we were able to see a sleeping lump in a much better position for photographing.

We all know from the narration the drivers give us that a lion pretty much sleeps a large portion of its life away.  Sounds good to me, and it also sounds a lot like my airedale's life ambition as well.

by Dave McBride

Open Up and Say "Ahhhh"!

Jungle Jim sent us this lovely photo of a hippopotamus from his trip along the Wild Africa Trek.  This hippo actually did open up and say "ahhhhh".

Now I wasn't with Jungle Jim when he did the Trek, but I have heard stories.  Apparently he had to be told several times he was holding up the group.  But we can't complain because he was busy taking wonderful photos like this one.

Slow and Steady Wins the Race

Here is a photo I took quite some time ago.  One of the great hidden gems of Disney's Animal Kingdom is the quiet and beautiful Discovery Island Trails, in the shadow of the Tree of Life.  Take a walk through them and you may come across this giant reptile.

The Galapagos Tortoise is the largest tortoise in the world, coming in at over five feet long and more than 800 pounds.  But I learned all that from Safari Mike so follow that blog and soon you too may learn all about the Galapagos Tortoise.

by Dave McBride

Never Stray Too Far From Mom

Today we salute all of the mothers across the world, including the mothers of Disney's Animal Kingdom.

In the animal world, it is a good idea to never stray too far from your mom.  And come to think of it, that's probably not a bad idea in the human world either.

Our mom's teach us everything, like making sure you look both ways when you cross the road, and that's no different at Kilimanjaro Safaris.

But some moms in the wild have to teach some things that might not be typical of the human world, like how to swing across a building on a rope.

Happy Mother's Day from all of us at Jambo Everyone!  Asante Sana Mama!

by Dave McBride (@RadioHarambe)