Welcome to the 15 day preamble to the 15th Anniversary of Disney’s Animal Kingdom! Billed as the “heart of Africa”, the largest animal park in the world thrills with exotic and themed adventures. For the next 15 days, my co-host Beth (@disneymom2jhe of Pursuing the Magic and The Magical Blogorail founder) and I will welcome 15 talented Disney writers as they tell the story of this park. Today, Mike of Jambo Everyone takes us on our first safari, and shares the sights of 1998.
So this story begins in 1989. No, that’s not a typo. Instead, that is the year I first became a member of the Bronx Zoo. A few short months later I began my training to become a docent at that world-renowned institution. It was at this time I began to develop my love of animals, zoos and conservation. I spent a lot of time teaching visitors to the zoo about the animals there and the plight that many of them were suffering from. The goal of the docent was always to teach. The idea being if a person knows about the animal, they will care about it. If a person just sees an animal in real life and not television, they will want to see it protected. And that is the idea behind the modern zoo, as well.
Who better to kick-off 15 Days to 15 Years than Safari Mike @JamboEveryone?! You must visit his “Bwana Blog“, support the Jambo Everyone Conservation Effort, and celebrate all that is Disney’s Animal Kingdom. And don’t forget to “Like” him on Facebook!
1999 arrives tomorrow, courtesy of Heidi @HeidiSays, blogger at Heidi’s Head.
Heidi says
What a fantastic post to kick off our 15 days! Nice to meet you, Mike. One of my regrets in life is not honeymooning at Disney. I might have to get my hubby to fix that with an anniversary trip one of these years. 😉
blogging says
Isn't Safari Mike the perfect person to remind us of the origins, history and importance of this truly unique park? We thank him so much- asante sana!!!
Safari Mike says
It's nice to meet you as well. I appreciate all the kind words
Lucinda says
Fabulous post! And I'm glad I'm not the only one that thought Discovery River boats was a missable attraction. Yawn. :o)
Tricia Kalita says
Great post!! So nostalgic that I found myself saying "Oh Yeah! I remember that!!" Thanks for bringing back some of my favorite memories while sharing yours with all of us. Jambo Mike!
Safari Mike says
Jambo and Thanks
Beth Doda ~ disneymom2jhe says
Thank you, Mike for kicking off the series with such a great post!!
Safari Mike says
Thank you for having me. It was both an honor and fun
Janice Brady says
Great post and a great Kick off!
blogging says
Thanks Janice- we're thrilled to have Safari Mike lead our adventure!!
Safari Mike says
Asante Sana
Rosanne says
Jambo! What an AMAZING post! I am such a fan of the Bronx Zoo (Staten Island girl here) and I too think that Animal Kingdom is a zoo, but also so much more. I absolutely love the theme of the park and the conservation efforts. And the Animals, well, they are just beautiful.
Thank you so much for sharing.
Rosanne @ The Disney Point