You can learn so much about animals and the natural world at Disney's Animal Kingdom that a visit should be worth three hours of college credit. Gentle lectures introduce most of the exhibits and rides. This can be a little wearying, but the Conservation Station is a good place to begin a child's education in saving the planet. You get to this behind-the-scenes facility at the park via the Wildlife Express, an old-fashioned train that's piled high with dated luggage and looks much like the train Meryl Streep took to her coffee plantation in OUT OF AFRICA.
On the short ride, you're told about how the animals got to Animal Kingdom and how they're cared for, and then you see where they spend most evenings--after a lanolin soaping and a relaxing rubdown.
In the station, an air-conditioned spot you might well appreciate in the heat of summer, animal handlers give impromptu lectures accompanied by small animals. The day I was there a tawny owl named Tanya showed up for a short talk on the nocturnal habits of such creatures. The kids were fascinated.
Film clips show how the animals have been acclimated to the park and introduced to each other. The latter is particularly important because the park hopes to breed some of the species. The park has had several births, including a kinkajou born in September and three very dear Tunis sheep born in March. The day I was there the kinkajou was sound asleep in a white cotton hammock, looking as sweet as only a sleeping infant can.
The station also shows animal specialists at work tracking and researching animal life. And there are clips of a lemur undergoing hand surgery and a gorilla getting his teeth cleaned. At the rear of the station is the Affection Section, a petting zoo where kids can mingle with baby goats and sheep.
Once they've bonded with these animals, kids will probably take to heart what Rafiki tells them on film: "Remember, the future of all the animals is in your hands. They're counting on you."
Please keep in mind that phone numbers, addresses, and prices are subject to change. Updated June 2005.
