Rhinos are one of the many animals that are part of the SSP program at Disney . PHOTO BY BRETT SVENSON
In response to dangerous declines experienced by certain species in the wild , the Species Survival Plan ( SSP ) program aids in responsible breeding initiatives designed to help these beautiful animals regain sustainable population numbers . Together , the care teams celebrate recent births in the animal community , such as Stark , the baby steenbok ; Ranger , the baby rhino ; and Shelley , the baby porcupine . Their new lives spark hope that Animal Kingdom can make a lasting impact for generations to come .
Clearly , Animal Kingdom is so much more than a zoo . With animal comfort and care as the top priority , the park is aptly named , isn ’ t it ? Animal Kingdom is a domain that belongs to the animals , first and foremost . As Meghan , a Kilimanjaro Safaris attraction host puts it , “ This is their home . We ’ re just visitors .”