Welcome back, Christine! I'm so glad I get to answer another question for you today.
Disney's Animal Kingdom is my favorite Theme Park at Walt Disney World Resort. Just like your daughter, I also love animals so I'll take whatever opportunity I can to catch a glimpse of them, between rides on
Expedition Everest - Legend of the Forbidden Mountain, of course!
There are a few
tours that can get your daughter the up-close and personal experience she wants to have with animals that you don't get to see every day. Guests over the age of four are welcome to participate in the
Caring for Giants tour, which will get you within 80 to 100 feet of the African elephant herd that lives in the Harambe Wildlife Reserve, the setting for
Kilimanjaro Safaris! Animal specialists will be there to tell you about how they make sure that the elephants are happy and cared for, and African cultural representatives will share stories about the animals from their home countries and how conservation efforts are being undertaken to protect their populations. You also mentioned the
Up Close with Rhinos tour, which is one of my favorite animal experiences and is also available to guests age four and over. You'll get to go backstage to see the rhino environment and meet the Cast Members who care for them. I was even lucky enough to touch one of the rhinos as well when I did this tour last year, which might be possible if they're feeling cooperative! Both of the tours take about 60 minutes and are perfect for your little animal lover.
Have a wild time on vacation, Christine!
Jessica