Michael Eisner, Chairman of the Walt Disney Company, challenged his "Imagineering" team in 1989 to create a new theme park that would center around animals, the environment and conservation. All their research showed that Disney's association with animals was appealing to the theme park guest. Just look at the animal characters we are excited to see and even ask for their autographs, Mickey, Minnie, and all their friends. And what about Phoo, Tigger and their pals. Don't forget the movie animal characters we love to see walking around the park, Timon, Rafiki, Baloo and many more.

By 1990 in a crowded room they decided that the newest park couldn't simple have live animals for guest to see up close. It had to be a combination of humankind's emotional reaction to the animals, our fascination with not only the living animals, but also those extinct and imaginary. It had to leave the guest wanting to help protect the animals, learn about conservation issues and how to save our environment. This became the core of "Disney's Animal Kingdom".

Unlike the other parks the architecture would not be the main issue. The park had to go beyond entertaining, beyond business, beyond making money. It had to give something back to the guest. Dr. Bill Conway, president and general director of the Wildlife Conservation Society, visited and inspired the team with ideas of exhibits. Zoologists, curators and veterinarians from around the U.S. were invited to help with the designs and the care of the animals.

The 100 acres of "Kilimanjaro Safari" was the main attraction. The Imagineering team visited Africa many times observing the wildlife in its natural habitat. Inspired by the sight of a leopard in a tree 300 feet away the team decided that they could equal this thrill in our park. Other areas were developed to show the beauty of all animals, birds, plants, reptiles and even the insects.

By spring of 1992 the Disney's Animal Kingdom™ existed on paper the way it will appear on opening day, April 22, 1998. Now the work would be begin to make this all a reality.