LAKE BUENA VISTA -- On April 22, 1998, Disney opened Animal Kingdom in Central Florida on Earth Day.
On Tuesday, they are marking that anniversary with education about conservation as only Disney knows how to do it -- with a big party.
Disney's Animal Kingdom kicked the day with a ceremonial rope drop in front of the Tree of Life.
Hundreds of cast members who have been with the park since it opened joined young adults from around the world for a global youth summit hosted by renowned animal expert Jane Goodall.
Goodall was honored on Animal Kingdom's opening day in 1998 with the park's Eco Hero Award, complete with plaque on the Tree of Life.
"For a wild animal who can't be in the wild, this is a wonderful place to be," Goodall said.
The Animal Kingdom has had over 7,000 animals, ranging in size from a 2 gram poisoned dart frog to a 13,000 pound elephant. There are 400 different species and 35 endangered species.
Disney uses environmental research to educate vacationers about conservation. One of the ways they do that is through their sea turtle programs. Disney tries to rehabilitate turtles that wash up, and then release them back into the oceans off the Brevard and Indian River beaches. Last month, Disney released nine turtles back into the ocean.
Dr. Jackie Ogden, vice president of animal programs, was part of the pre-opening team for the Animal Kingdom. She told News 13 she is very proud of everything they have accomplished over 10 years in studying and contributing to the welfare of animals.
"We have a very extensive elephant communication program where we actually put big collars on the elephants that are out at Kilimanjaro Safari, and we are able to hear these low-frequency vocalizations that elephants make. We actually found two vocalizations that no scientist had ever found before. Very cool," Ogden said.
Keepers at the park have watched over the birth of thousands of animals and has even returned some of them to their natural habitat.
"You know, the record in animal husbandry is pretty wonderful. So, I would say, Animal Kingdom has done a great job," Goodall sai.
Over the years, Disney has added four attractions to the park, including the Expedition Everest roller coaster in 2006 and the Finding Nemo show in 2007.
As part of the park's eco-friendly credo, there are no drink lids or straws available.
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