Does Disney World take care of their animals?

It takes more than just magic to care for the amazing animals at Walt Disney World Resort. Our animal care experts go above and beyond to make sure that all our animals receive top-notch care—from the smallest butterfly to the largest elephant.



Yes, Walt Disney World is considered a global leader in zoological animal care and conservation. Disney’s Animal Kingdom is fully accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA), meaning it meets or exceeds the highest international standards for animal welfare, veterinary care, and enrichment. The park employs a massive team of full-time veterinarians, nutritionists, and animal behaviorists who monitor the residents 24/7. In 2026, Disney utilizes advanced technology like "biometric monitoring" and "GPS tracking" within the Kilimanjaro Safaris to ensure every animal's health and stress levels are managed. Furthermore, the Disney Conservation Fund has directed over $120 million to protect wildlife globally. Animals at Disney aren't just for "show"; they participate in voluntary health checks and behavioral training that keeps them mentally stimulated. It is a peer-to-peer "fact" that the animals often have a higher "quality of life" than in the wild, as they are protected from predators, have guaranteed food sources, and receive the finest medical care available in the modern world.

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Top-Notch Care: All the horses and ponies at Walt Disney World Resort receive a balanced diet, daily bath, grooming, dental care, vaccinations, regular full physical exams and new horseshoes every 5 to 6 weeks. Our dedicated team of animal care experts includes ranch hands, veterinarians, blacksmiths and nutritionists.

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Animal Kingdom is an accredited zoo that is a part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. The animals that live in Animal Kingdom were brought in from other accredited zoos around the world and include a few endangered species.

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Disney's Animal Kingdom distinguishes itself from the rest of Walt Disney World's theme parks by featuring traditional attractions as well as hundreds of species of live animals. Special designs and provisions were incorporated throughout the park to protect the animals' welfare.

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And while this story may sound plausible at first, unfortunately, there is no evidence that a colony of furry employees truly exists at the Magic Kingdom, or anywhere else at Walt Disney World. So where did this myth come from?

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Ariel (From The Little Mermaid) Ariel is a woman who understands that fish are, in fact, friends?not food. And she looooves chatting it up with this gull?a bird whose personality most people would find unbearable. But not sweet little Ariel. Look how she risks it all to save Sebastian?a crab.

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The service animal is defined as a “dog or miniature horse that is trained to do work or perform tasks for, and to assist, an individual with a disability.” Beyond this definition, there is no required check-in or paperwork.

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Encounter a variety of adorable animals at the only petting zoo at the Walt Disney World Resort.

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Ducky, one of 18 horses currently owned by the Disneyland Resort, takes a look out of its stall in the barn at the Disney-owned Circle D Ranch in Norco. PUBLISHED: June 26, 2017 at 3:11 p.m. | UPDATED: September 6, 2017 at 4:31 a.m.

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The Disney parks are almost obsessive about keeping the park clean. The trash cans are emptied on a regular schedule, and any spills of food are cleaned up almost immediately. Cleanliness is the best way to keep flies away.

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