The Water Buffalo on the Trek

One of the more recent additions to the Maharajah Jungle Trek is the Asian Water buffalo. It is found throughout the world now as a domesticated animal but is quite common in Asia. With over 130 million buffalo, more people rely on this domestic animal then any other in the world. However, there are also numerous feral herds throughout the world, the largest being in Australia. 

The animal was domesticated about 5,000 years ago. It is believed the first domestication occurred in India. 

Stand Up

Meerkats standing at attention. As you may know, these mongoose relatives always keep an eye to the sky. Their biggest predators are birds of prey after all. 

Usually, they have one sentry keeping a look out. Unless, that sentry calls an alarm. Then the entire group looks up and looks out. 

Happy Valentines Day

Happy Valentines Day from Jambo Everyone and Radio Harambe 

Sending you some okapi kisses 

Weaver

Along the Gorilla Falls trail, you come to the aviary. One of the best things about it, is the high amount of activity. Maybe the most active are the weaver birds, like this guy.

In the aviary, you will see nests that resemble baskets. That is the handiwork of the male weaver bird. These nests are very elaborate and are built not only to house potential chicks but also to entice female weavers to mate with its maker. 

Safari Mike 

Hidden Muntjac

The Oasis is meant to be explored. Often times, you need to really look to see what is in the exhibit whether the animal is hiding in the bushes, up a tree or around a bend. 

The adorable little muntjac deer is one such animal in the area. When you visit the Oasis make sure you take the time to look. You just might find this little guy. 

High Above Anandapur

Definitely one of my favorite exhibits in the park is the ruins near Yak & Yeti that hold the gibbons and the siamang. 

Here one of the siamangs can be found high up in trees overlooking the people below. It's probably a pretty great view. 

Zebra in the grass

This photo is from Kilimanjaro Safari. As we were driving along heading towards the lions, we happened upon a couple of the Plains zebra that are typically in the exhibit with the white rhinos. They came very near the vehicle. 

This photo proves that you must look all around when enjoying the safaris. You never know what might be hiding in the grass. 

Relaxing

People watching gorillas. It's why Gorilla Falls is such a popular exhibit. And I think it's because they are so human like.

This male silverback is just relaxing and people watching. If that was a bucket of beer you could easily believe he was just watching a ball game. 

By Safari Mike 

Mountain zebra at AKL

One of the prettiest animals at the savannas of Kidani are the Mountain zebra.

These guys are endangered in the natural habitat but thankfully Disney has had some success in breeding. You will often see little zebra out there in the exhibit. 

By Safari Mike 

Eld's deer

These guys are quite regal. The male Eld's deer can be a difficult opponent for a Bengal tiger to take on. A healthy buck like this one will stand and fight, and with those antlers can be very dangerous. 

In the wild, it is typically only the weak, young and old that are preyed upon by tigers. 

By Safari Mike 

Blackbuck herd mural

The decor of the Maharajah Jungle Trek is absolutely stunning. In particular, the murals are beautiful.

This one is located in the prey exhibit and rightfully so. It shows a herd of blackbuck antelope on the move.

Say hello to my little friend

We have spent some time talking about cotton top tamarins on Radio Harambe. We even had the pleasure of talking to Dr. Ann Savage, Conservation Director at Disney's Animal Kingdom and founder of Proyecto Titi, a group dedicated to protecting this species. 

The Cotton Top is found only in the forests of northern Colombia and has suffered from deforestation, the illegal pet trade and other difficult issues. Today it's one of the 25 most critically endangered primates. 

The park has always had the animal and recently built a nice new exhibit where the animal above currently resides. And Disney has recently announced they will be concentrating conservation efforts on 10 different animal groups including the tamarin. 

Food time for a crane

The sarus crane is a beautiful bird found on the Maharajah Jungle trek. Initially, it was housed in the exhibit with blackbuck and Eld's deer, but now is found just after the Komodo dragon exhibit. It was almost declared the national bird of India (eventually the Indian peafowl got that honor).

These birds are found throughout Southern Asia, including India, China, and Vietnam but are a vulnerable species. There are somewhere between 15,000 and 20,000 in the wild with more than half in India. In other parts of its range it is rarer thanks to war and habitat destruction.

Happy Elephant and Rhino Day!

Earlier this week we celebrated International World Rhino Day, albeit a little belated.  But today is Elephant and Rhino Day at Rafiki's Planet Watch and we are right on time!

Elephants are perhaps the most iconic animal at Disney's Animal Kingdom, and have always played a big part in the park's story. 

But some of the best encounters on Kilimanjaro Safaris come courtesy of the rhinos. I will never forget when this big girl walked inches from the truck. 

And then there is the black rhino, one of the more illusive animals on safari. But stay patient, and try the ride a few times, and you make just get him to pose for a glamour shot.

by Dave McBride (@RadioHarambe)

A Smile to Warm the Heart

When taking photos of animals, you line up a good angle and take as many shots as quickly as possible and home something good comes out of them. Imagine my joy when I discovered I photographed a baby elephant who was smiling!

by Dave McBride (@RadioHarambe)

Defending Their Nest

The aviary at the Maharajah Jungle Trek is one of the real gems often missed by the crowds of folks rushing from one ride to another. But this is where you can get some of the best up-close encounter with incredible exotic and beautiful wildlife, like this New Guinea Masked Plover.

In their native land, these harmless looking birds are known for being fierce defenders of their nests, often launching vicious attacks on animals such as cats or dogs. Needless to say, if you have one such nest in your yard keep Rover and Mittens away.

Dave McBride (@RadioHarambe)

A Look That Says a Thousand Words

It is not often you get a chance to look into the eyes of one of earth's most magnificent creatures, but that happens every day at Disney's Animal Kingdom. On this day, I got to see the joy and calm of a mother with her infant.

This was one of my favorite days ever at DAK. The buzz and excitement this little baby gorilla generated around the park was amazing. And to get a chance to see mom and her baby together was an unforgettable treat.

by Dave McBride (@RadioHarambe)

Keeping a Head Above the Sand

Contrary to folklore, ostriches do not actually stick their heads in the sand. The obvious reason being they would suffocate. They do, however, often digs holes for their eggs and while tending to them appear to be burring their heads, thus the expression. This one at Kilimanjaro Safaris like to keep above ground level.

by Dave McBride (@RadioHarambe)

A Head Above the Rest

Evolution has handed Giraffes quite the advantage by being able to see over the rest of the animals to see where the best food in the area can be found. That must be quite a view they have up there. At Disney's Animal Kingdom hey also have the advantage of the rest of their friends in the habitat not being able to reach their food!

by Dave McBride (@RadioHarambe)

Time to Kick Back

While some may miss the "Big Red and Little Red" storyline at the end of Kilimanjaro Safaris, few can argue against the addition of the Addax herd. These gorgeous and unique animals have really added something to the iconic attraction.

Addax have certainly faced their fairy share of dangers, but not in the Harambe Wildlife Reserve. Here, they can lower their guard and relax on a lazy summer afternoon.

by Dave McBride (@RadioHarambe)