Similarly , African elephants like patriarch Mac have been trained to lift their feet and open their mouths for checkups . These techniques help veterinarians make assessments more easily , meaning they can find and remedy abnormalities earlier . All it takes is practice — and a whole lot of patience .
“ The patience level is so much greater , but I love it .” - Rory , Animal Care Keeper
Thankfully , patience is a common feature among care team staff members ; they ’ re invested in their work for the long haul . Some have been a part of the team for over 20 years . For many , working with animals at Animal Kingdom is the fulfillment of a life-long dream .
Dr . Nati , who ’ s shown providing dental care for a lion in the Disney + series , expresses her long-term dedication well : “ When I was four years old , my aunt gave me a book about what happens at a zoo . I saw a veterinarian cleaning leopard teeth , and that ’ s when I told my parents that I wanted to be a veterinarian . I feel like I ’ ve come full circle from being that little girl to being the person who ’ s now looking at these big cats ’ teeth .”
THE SUSTAINABILITY Values of conservation and sustainability permeate every decision regarding animal care at Walt Disney World . Care team members always have their eyes on the long-term health and well-being of the species and the individual animals .
A well-earned catnap . PHOTO BY RICH RAMOS