Early marketing for Disney ’ s Animal Kingdom included the catchphrase “ Nahtazu !”, a memorable , made-up word that sounds like “ not a zoo ” when pronounced phonetically . Disney intended the ad campaign to remind vacationers that there were other things to do at Animal Kingdom , such as rides , shows , and character greetings . The campaign highlighted the difference between a regular , hometown zoo experience and the theme park experience guests could have at Animal Kingdom .
The “ Nahtazu ” tagline was met with mixed responses from Disney fans , of
“ Everything revolves around the idea that nature is of supreme value .” - Joe Rohde , Disney Imagineering
course , but the fact remains that Animal Kingdom is so much more than an average — or even above average — zoo . One of the main ways that Animal Kingdom really separates itself from zoos is in the care given to the 2,000 + animals who call the park “ home .”
Some animal lovers might avoid going to zoos because they ’ re worried about the treatment that animals endure in an artificial environment . But at Animal Kingdom , the animals are treated like part of the Disney family . And as Walt Disney World mega-fans , we all know that means that extra special treatment — pixie dust — is part of the regular routine .
ABOVE : The animals are given plenty of space to roam . PREVIOUS PAGE : A young rhino on the savanna . PHOTOS BY JUDD HELMS