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)

Just Let Me Sleep a Few Minutes Longer

Summer time at Disney's Animal Kingdom is a time when the park is filled with guests, and many are looking for some great animal sighting. The problem is, these animals aren't exactly about to work up a sweat just to put on a show. For example, you will be lucky to spot a lion at all, and if you do he or she will likely be napping the heat away.

But have your camera at the ready anyway. Even a napping lion makes for a great photo!

by Dave McBride (@RadioHarambe)

Keep the Wild Wild

The blue-and-yellow macaw is a stunningly pretty bird, and therefore many of them have been lost due to the pet trade. But they don't make very good pets. They have a piercing screech and a powerful beak which can be used to destroy a lot of things in the average household. So the moral of the story is this; let's keep them in the wild where they belong.

by Dave McBride (@RadioHarambe)

Leap Tall Building in a Single Bound

The Impala is incredibly gorgeous and are widespread throughout the eastern half of Africa. They are also very athletic, as they can run about 30 miles per hour and can leap over 30 feet with a running start! They also communicate vocally by barking and roaring to their herd.

by Dave McBride (@RadioHarambe)

Surviving Extinction

The scimitar-horned oryx, also known as the Sahara oryx, was declared "extinct in the wild" during the early part of the last decade. They were hunted for their horns and were also the victims of habitat loss and climate change. Now, the existence of the species relies on zoos and other conservation efforts. These oryx were photographed a couple of year back on the main savannah at Kilimanjaro Safaris.

by Dave McBride (@RadioHarambe)

Sleeping in the Lap of Luxury

When I photographed this bachelor gorilla at the Pangani Forest Exploration Trail, I watched him for some time trying to figure out what he was doing with that straw. Soon it became apparent that this boy prefers something a little softer and more luxurious to sleep on then just the cold dirty ground.

by Dave McBride (@RadioHarambe)

A Good Neighbor

Not all animals at Disney's Animal Kingdom are from the far corners of the world. Some are from right in the Mouse's backyard, including this Roseate Spoonbill which can be found throughout the southern United States, including Florida. They were once hunted near extinction by the fashion industry, but they have come back strong and are no longer listed as endangered.

by Dave McBride (@RadioHarambe)

That's Quite a Jump!

The Patterson's Eland is big, really big. Some bulls can weigh upwards of 2,000 pounds. But that doesn't mean they aren't capable of incredible feats of athleticism. They guys have often been found broad jumping over one another with little or no running start.

by Dave McBride (@RadioHarambe)

A Stork in Dinoland

The Abdim's Stork is one of the smallest storks in existence, yet it is nowhere near a small bird. These guys are almost three feet tall and are often thought to be good luck by Africans living within their range. You can find this one, in all places, Dinoland.

by Dave McBride (@RadioHarambe)

A Cranky River Horse

Hippos can weigh over 4,000 pounds, yet they are also great swimmer. In fact, they are probably the closing living land mammal relative to the whale. So much so, that their name means "river horse". Yes, hippos are amazing creatures...they are also REALLY cranky!

by Dave McBride (@RadioHarambe)

This Bird Can run

Did you know the ostrich is fast? I mean like crazy fast. And not at flying, because they can't fly. No, the ostrich is an amazingly fast runner, reaching speeds of over 40 miles per hour. And that is really saying something for the largest and heaviest bird on the planet!

by Dave McBride (@RadioHarambe)

Always a Fan Favorite

With the arrival of the new Sumatran Tiger pair at Disney's Animal Kingdom, the Asian Tiger may soon become a rare sight on the Maharajah Jungle Trek. But even if they move to other zoos, we will never forget how beautiful and awe-inspiring they were.

by Dave McBride (@RadioHarambe)

The Perfect Glamour Shot

There are some incredibly photogenic animals at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Animal kingdom Lodge, but probably none more so then the giraffes. Whether the Masai species at DAK, or the reticulated at AKL, they just love the camera. Get a nice zoom lens and you can get some incredible close-ups.

by Dave McBride (@RadioHarambe)

A Park Full of Parrots

If I were to guess, I would say the parrot is most represented species at Disney's Animal Kingdom. Now I will admit I haven't done the research on this, but between those at the Oasis and Tree of Life trails, Flights of Wonder and now Winged Encounters, it just feels like you can find a gorgeous and colorful parrot around every corner.

This blue-and-yellow macaw can be found on the often overlooked Tree of Life trails. Just keeping walking and you will find them, and usually someone trying in vain to see if they talk.

by Dave McBride (@RadioHarambe)

A Hungry Elephant

It has been a little while since we posted a photo of an elephant. And that’s not good because, after all, elephants are the traditional star of Disney’s Animal Kingdom. This one enjoyed posing for the camera in between bites of lunch.

by Dave McBride (@RadioHarambe)

Some Serious Builders

The hamerkop got its name for no better reason then its head resembles a hammer. But I prefer to think the word "hammer" refers to this bird's amazing building ability. It makes HUGE nests which can often support the weight of a full-grown man! Pretty impressive stuff from a little bird. Fortunately, they don't try and turn the aviary at the Pangani Forest Exploration Trail into a giant nest.

by Dave McBride