Slew of Animals Become Homeless as Final Location Closes Within Disney World Animal Kingdom
Is Bluey To Blame?
The final petting zoo inside of Disney World Animal Kingdom park will soon close down, leading to a ton of homeless animals.
Disney World Animal Kingdom Sees Homeless Animals as Final Petting Zoo Closing Its Doors
A long-running animal experience at Disney’s Animal Kingdom may be nearing the end, according to multiple guest reports and Cast Member conversations happening inside the park right now. The rumored closure would remove Walt Disney World’s only petting zoo, potentially reshaping a quiet corner of the park just months before a major new character arrival.
According to sources familiar with operations at Rafiki’s Planet Watch, Disney is preparing for the permanent closure of the Affection Section, a hands-on animal experience tucked inside Conservation Station.
What is the Affection Section at Disney’s Animal Kingdom?
The Affection Section is a small but meaningful experience for families—especially those with young children. Located at Rafiki’s Planet Watch, the area allows guests to interact with domesticated animals while speaking directly with animal care experts.
Disney officially describes the experience as a chance to “encounter a variety of adorable animals at the only petting zoo at the Walt Disney World Resort,” and for many visitors, that’s exactly what it is: a calm, educational break from the park’s high-energy attractions.
Unlike Kilimanjaro Safaris or Pandora, the Affection Section isn’t about spectacle. It’s about proximity, quiet moments, and accessibility—especially for guests who may find other Animal Kingdom experiences overwhelming.
Why are guests hearing that the Affection Section is closing?
Over the past several weeks, Cast Members working in the Affection Section have reportedly been telling guests that the area will be closing “soon,” though no official date has been publicly announced.
Currently, operating hours for the Affection Section are posted only through mid-March, which aligns with the furthest date Disney has released its operating calendar. While this alone doesn’t confirm closure, it mirrors patterns seen with other quietly retired experiences across Walt Disney World.
Multiple sources also say Cast Members indicated that when a closing date is announced, guests will be given enough notice to visit one last time—suggesting internal awareness of a planned transition.
Is Bluey the reason Disney may remove the petting zoo?
The rumored closure appears to align with Disney’s upcoming Bluey and Bingo experience, which is officially set to debut at Conservation Station this summer.
Disney has already confirmed that guests will be able to play and dance with the popular characters from the hit children’s series, complete with interactive games inspired by the show—like Keepy Uppy with an animal-themed twist.
More telling, however, is Disney’s statement that guests will also “step outside to discover an experience with animals native to Bluey’s home country of Australia.”
That detail is where speculation intensifies.
Could the Affection Section be replaced by an Australian animal exhibit?
From a logistics standpoint, the Affection Section and its supporting infrastructure occupy roughly two-thirds of an acre, making it one of the few expandable areas within Conservation Station.
If Disney plans to introduce Australian wildlife alongside Bluey—beyond character meet-and-greets—the Affection Section’s footprint would be one of the most practical places to do it.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom already features kangaroos near the Tree of Life, proving Australian species are not off the table. A reimagined space focused on animals from Bluey’s world would fit Disney’s current strategy of blending IP with conservation messaging.
That said, Disney has not confirmed which animals, if any, would arrive—and has not confirmed the Affection Section’s closure at all.
Why this potential closure feels different to longtime Animal Kingdom fans
Unlike thrill rides or stage shows, the Affection Section doesn’t generate headlines when it closes. But for many families, especially repeat visitors, its removal would quietly change the park’s emotional balance.
Animal Kingdom is already a park where crowds thin out early in the day, especially in areas like Rafiki’s Planet Watch, which requires a dedicated train ride. Removing one of the few hands-on experiences could further shift guest flow—and reduce reasons for families to venture back there at all.
It also marks another example of Disney gradually prioritizing recognizable IP over low-key educational spaces—a trend seen elsewhere across Walt Disney World under Bob Iger’s return as CEO.
Has Disney confirmed the Affection Section closure?
As of now, Walt Disney World has not confirmed the closure of the Affection Section and did not respond to a request for comment regarding its future.
For now, this remains a rumor—but one backed by consistent Cast Member messaging and timing that aligns closely with Disney’s announced Bluey expansion.
As always, guests should treat this information as unofficial unless and until Disney makes a formal announcement.
What guests should do if they want to visit one last time
If the Affection Section holds personal meaning for your family, now may be the time to plan a visit—especially if you’re already heading to Disney’s Animal Kingdom in the coming weeks.
Rafiki’s Planet Watch typically sees lighter crowds, especially in the late morning, making it one of the most relaxed areas in the park. Historically, Disney announces closures with relatively short lead times for smaller experiences, so waiting for official confirmation could mean missing it entirely.
For now, the animals are still there—but the clock may be ticking.
Source: BlogMickey
