'Magic Of Disney's Animal Kingdom' Will Take Viewers Behind-The-Scenes Of Disney's Animal Experiences

By Chris EvangelistaAug. 12, 2020 4:00 pm EST

Disney+ wants to take you inside Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park, Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge, and The Seas with Nemo & Friends at EPCOT with Magic of Disney's Animal Kingdom, a new original series from National Geographic. The new docu-series is narrated by Josh Gad, and is being billed as "the ultimate tribute to the parks' magnificent array of more than 300 species and 5,000-plus animals and the herculean tasks their animal care experts undertake to keep things running day and night."

If you love animals and are willing to tolerate the voice of Josh Gad, then you might want to check out the eight-part docu-series Magic of Disney's Animal Kingdom. The series will be streaming on Disney+ starting September 25, and will give viewers glimpses of the following:

Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail — Hang out with the newest member of the gorilla troop, baby Grace, named after the GRACE (Gorilla Rehabilitation and Conservation Education Center) gorilla sanctuary in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and help her dad and troop leader, Gino, celebrate his 39th birthday

Harambe Wildlife Reserve — Meet animal keeper Rory and come face to knee with his best friend, supermom Masai giraffe Kenya; play fetch with black rhino Badru and his keeper, Katie.

Kilimanjaro Safaris — Swing past a day spa as keeper Nicole gives two hyenas a bath in the hopes that they'll be as endearing to guests as they are to her; watch Dakari, the alpha male African lion, reign over his land; and meet Kinsey, the alpha lioness, who's the real ruler of the pride.

Discovery Island — Stop by the love nest of Carri and Bones, an endangered vulture couple, as animal keeper Tricia sets the mood for mating and steps up as eggsitter.

Tiger Temple — Witness animal care experts employing extra creativity to keep critically endangered Sumatran tigers Anala and Sohni entertained.

The Seas with Nemo & Friends at EPCOT — Plunge in with some of the 3,000 ocean animals that call it home, including an injured wild sea turtle, Harry; rescued manatees Lil' Joe and Lou; Darby, a pregnant spotted eagle ray; and aquarist Amanda, who is also expecting.

"Magic of Disney's Animal Kingdom captures the spirit of these two world-famous parks and its animals and ushers that feeling directly into viewers' living rooms," said Josh Gad. "Each episode, we get to know these animals intimately and are immersed in the magic of Disney, and it's been a joy giving voice to this ultimate adventure."

Dr. Mark Penning, Vice President, Disney's Animals, Science and Environment, Disney Parks, added: "Whether you have visited our parks hundreds of times, or you are being introduced for the first time through Magic of Disney's Animal Kingdom, viewers will get an unparalleled, all-new experience as they meet some of the most intriguing animals in our care. I'm extremely proud of the work our team does to accomplish and deliver on Disney's commitment to best-in-class animal care and conservation as we aim to live in harmony with nature and protect the wondrous wildlife on our planet."

The series was filmed across five months and "incorporates cutting-edge technology, including custom-built GoPro enclosures, 18-foot cranes and underwater camera systems, to highlight the magic found in every crevice of the kingdom." The show will go into details of each park, and focus on animal care, operations, and Imagineering.

I like animals (more than people, in fact), and I really don't have a problem with Josh Gad (although all of Twitter seems to dislike him), so I might just check this out when it premieres September 25.