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. 

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.

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.

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)

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 Largest Pigeon

Islands often are home to unique indigenous species of all sorts. The Victoria Crowned Pigeon, like this one found on the Maharajah Jungle Trek are only found on the islands of northern New Guinea. These handsome, and mostly ground roaming pigeons, are the largest breed of pigeons found in the world.

I'vr seen this bird Maharajah aviary dozens and dozens of times, but this photo was the first time I ever noticed the incredible giraffe pattern markings on their legs.

by Dave McBride (@RadioHarambe)

Licking the Chops

The tigers on the Maharajah Jungle Trek are amazing, but often times look like nothing more than a tiger print lump in the grass. But sometimes you can be lucky enough to see them during feeding times. This photo was snapped just before the chow came...

by Dave McBride (@RadioHarambe)

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)

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

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

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)

Just Hangin' Out

Jungle Jim has been to the Maharajah Jungle Trek and sent us this fantastic photo of one of the Malaysian Flying Foxes found there.  Apparently Jungle Jim is not afraid of bats!

photo by Jungle Jim