Just a bit of monkeying around . PHOTO BY MIKE BILLICK
care team individuals live up to their name . “ To say this team is passionate about their work is putting it lightly . They are fully devoted to providing outstanding care for our animals .”
In the Disney + series , we get a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the deeply personal connection that care team individuals have with the animals in their charge . Regular checkups are pretty standard , but these teams go above and beyond basic zoology to foster a meaningful relationship .
“ To say this team is passionate about their work is putting it lightly .” - Scott Terrell , Director of Animal Operations
For example , when Gino , a western lowland gorilla , celebrated his 39th birthday , members of his care team planned a special surprise , including a cake made of sweet potatoes , florals , and other enticing gorilla delicacies . The team ’ s love for Gino was evident in the care they showed beyond his basic needs .
In fact , on the day of Gino ’ s big birthday surprise , keeper Erica said , “ I couldn ’ t even sleep last night ! I was so excited to see what he was gonna do with it !”
Disney fans know that feeling , don ’ t we ? We know what it ’ s like to be too excited to sleep ; we feel it every time our countdownto- “ home ” calendars hit single digits . It ’ s comforting and inspiring to know that the team members at Animal Kingdom get excited to show love to their special friends .
THE PARTNERSHIP Developing a connection