A new troop of kangaroos and wallabies is popping up at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
These animals are collectively known as the Mob and make up the inhabitants of Jumping Junction, an attraction at the theme park’s Conservation Station. Those who visit there are in close proximity to the resident furry residents. They are also on the fence.
“Being able to actually share the space with the animals allows you to connect with them on a different level,” Walt Disney World zoo manager Maggie Mariolis said during a visit to Jumping Junction this week.
“Animal Kingdom is known for inviting guests to create their own stories, where they become the center of that adventure,” she said. “Having a walkabout (like a walkable Kilimanjaro safari) is just the next way we are offering our guests the opportunity to have an even bigger adventure.”
There are rules, people. Visitors must stay within the winding paths within the enclosure and are prohibited from touching the animals. Small groups will be guided by cast members and filled with information about marsupials.
Kangaroos and wallabies, on the other hand, roam freely, exploring, foraging, and sometimes approaching humans. Mariolis said these animals are crepuscular, meaning they’re most active around sunrise and sunset. When that happens, they are more likely to jump, as in the case of Zoomies.
“When it’s the hottest part of the day, you’ll see them doing what they’re supposed to be doing: napping,” Mariolis says.
Kangaroos are more sociable than wallabies, perhaps because wallabies are larger, she says.
“They adapted quickly to being Disney stars, especially Joey,” Mariolis said.
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The Jumping Junction group has 6 wallabies, 10 red kangaroos and 2 western white kangaroos under 2 years old. This is a different set of animals than the western gray grizzly seen near the Tree of Life in the park. That was a breeding group, Mariolis said, and the Jumping Junction mob was not.
The new addition features two gardens with shrubs, shade structures, edible plants and more to explore. Wallabies, which typically live in wooded areas, tend to seek out shade, while kangaroos, which come from desert-like areas, tend to burrow into the ground and lie down.
There is an adjoining barn, where the animals usually spend the night.
Wallabies and kangaroos were introduced to their enclosures in early May, and Disney gradually allowed them to interact with people at a distance outside the enclosure, first with zookeepers and selected cast members, then with the general public. Jumping Junction officially opened in June.
Before that, they were quarantined and underwent medical examinations to establish basic physical health. They underwent CAT scans to aid in dental treatment.
They need energy and food because they spend much of their lives grazing and moving quickly, said Joy Boyer, an educational guide at the facility.
“Being able to maintain that in their diet is a priority,” she says. “Without teeth, it would be difficult to break down many meals, so being able to pinch or pull and send it back to be crushed is very important.”
Like other animals in theme parks, kangaroos are encouraged to participate in their own health care. In this case, it’s pouch-check training, no different than a pediatrician with candy.
“The zookeepers here are trying to train the zookeepers to present the pouch so they can check on the animals without crossing the line. They make sure the animals are comfortable at all times, so they can do things like Luz presents the pouch and that way they get positive reinforcement,” Boyer said.
Visitors can watch the animals move quickly around them, using their tails for balance and exhibiting “boxing” behavior. Zookeepers plan enrichment activities and monitor their dietary preferences (favorite foods include corn and sweet potatoes).
“This is their space and we are guests in their space,” Mariolis said.
Jumping Junction is located on the site of the “Love Section” petting zoo. Adjacent to the new Bluey’s Wild World, a character-driven play experience. Together we create an Australian atmosphere. This area is accessible by the Wildlife Express Train.
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