WHERE TO SEE THE STARS OF MAGIC OF DISNEY ’ S
ANIMAL KINGDOM
BY : MATT KIROUAC
PHOTOS BY WDW MAGAZINE PHOTOGRAPHY TEAM
Gino the Gorilla It turns out gorillas like cake just as much as we do . In episode two of the series , we meet Gino , a gentle giant celebrating his 39th birthday in style . It ’ s a bit of a roller coaster episode , as it goes from celebrations to chest infections , but Gino proves resilient . To see Gino for yourself and wish him a happy belated birthday , embark on the Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail at Animal Kingdom .
Anala the Tiger Tigers pop up in a few episodes of the series , but the most impactful and fascinating spotlight occurs in episode six with Anala , a regal and powerful Sumatran tiger . The show delves into a series of tests designed to check and maintain Anala ’ s mental and physical strengths , culminating in a meaty treat . Anala is a resident tiger on the Maharajah Jungle Trek in Animal Kingdom , where she can be seen prowling around or — more likely — lounging in the sun .
Willie and Peanut the Aardvarks In episode five , aardvarks Willie and Peanut are set up on a blind date by careful animal keepers as part of a species survival plan designed to pair endangered animals for the betterment of future generations . Willie and Peanut hit it off instantly , like a sub- Saharan version of Lady and the Tramp . They eventually have a baby named Karanga , which means “ peanut ” in Swahili . Meet the aardvark fam in Animal Kingdom , where they reside at Rafiki ’ s Planet Watch .
PHOTO COURTESY OF DISNEY
Lou and Lil ’ Joe the Manatees Resembling massive aquatic stuffed animals , manatees are easy to fall in love with , and that ’ s why episode three is so cute — and emotional . We find out that Lou , a rescued manatee , could be infected , requiring a crane lift so he can be transported to a veterinary treatment facility . It is sweet and gentle , albeit a bit stressful , to watch . Another manatee named Lil ’ Joe has a medical appointment to get an inflamed lump examined in episode five . Say hi to Lou and Lil ’ Joe in EPCOT at The Seas with Nemo & Friends .
Harry the Sea Turtle Whether in Finding Nemo or Magic of Disney ’ s Animal Kingdom , sea turtles are scene-stealers . Such is the case in episode seven , which follows Harry the green sea turtle on his hopeful graduation into the main tank . The rescued turtle first needs to complete a skilled task to earn his place and prove he ’ s ready . Nowadays , you can watch Harry swim around at — where else ?— The Seas with Nemo & Friends in EPCOT .