Walt Disney World Resort has taken a step further in enhancing the lives of its animal residents through innovative enrichment activities.
Collaborating with the creative team at Walt Disney Imagineering, the animal care experts have introduced cutting-edge techniques that utilize 3D printing, motorized mechanics, and recycled materials to stimulate the animals both mentally and physically.
The park, home to hundreds of species, has always focused on the health and development of its animals. Now, with the added expertise of Walt Disney Imagineering, the team is pushing the boundaries of traditional animal care. They are creating unique enrichment experiences designed to encourage natural behaviors and provide mental and physical stimulation, ultimately improving the animals' overall wellbeing.
A prime example of this innovation is the 'cheetah ball,' a motorized object that mimics the movement of prey, allowing cheetahs to engage in natural hunting behaviors. Crafted partly through 3D printing, this enrichment tool is operated remotely by animal keepers, providing an exciting and stimulating experience for the cheetahs.
Every species at the park receives tailored activities to meet its unique needs. For lions, for example, the team has created ice sculptures shaped like warthogs, coated with mud from warthog habitats, to stimulate the lions' natural hunting instincts and sense of smell. This not only encourages natural behavior but also helps the animals stay cool.
Sustainability is also a key aspect of these initiatives. The team has creatively repurposed recycled items like water bottles, coolers, and old fire hoses into engaging toys and feeders for various animals. Even items from the resorts, such as bed sheets no longer in use, find a new purpose in providing comfort and playfulness for animals like the western lowland gorillas.
This holiday season saw another unique enrichment activity, where gorillas at the park were given holiday presents filled with their favorite foods, encouraging their natural foraging behaviors.
Watch the video below to see some of the innovations in action at Disney's Animal Kingdom.
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