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Disney’s Animal Kingdom recently announced the bittersweet retirement of two beloved lions, Dakari and Kamari, who have been the heart and soul of the Kilimanjaro Safaris experience for over a decade.
Credit: Disney
Their journey from savanna ambassadors to stars of the 2019 live-action The Lion King (2019) remake has left a notable mark on the park and guests alike.
These majestic lions became significant contributors to Disney’s creative pursuits when The Lion King remake team sought to bring the film’s animals to life with stunning realism.
To do this, the filmmakers observed Dakari and Kamari, capturing their natural behaviors and personalities, which were then digitally transformed into the lifelike lions seen on screen. This connection between Animal Kingdom’s residents and Disney’s cinematic universe gave fans an exclusive look into how authentic animal behaviors were seamlessly translated into movie magic.
Credit: R9 Studios FL, Flickr
Now, as they approach retirement age, Disney has decided it’s time for Dakari and Kamari to move to a conservation haven accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) in Florida. The decision was made with an emphasis on the lions’ continued well-being, ensuring they spend their senior years in a tranquil environment, closely monitored and supported by dedicated animal care professionals.
The Animal Kingdom staff is preparing to welcome a new pride of young lions, all littermates, who will soon roam the savanna at Kilimanjaro Safaris. This trio of siblings—a male and two females—brings with them a new energy and familial bond that guests will undoubtedly enjoy witnessing. During their first weeks, they’ll get comfortable behind the scenes, bonding with their keepers before stepping into their new roles on the iconic safari landscape.
Credit: Disney
As Animal Kingdom says farewell to Dakari and Kamari, a fresh generation of lions is ready to create their own legacy, continuing to inspire awareness and admiration for African wildlife.
Follow Disney Parks Blog and social media for updates on when you can meet these newcomers and watch the next chapter of Animal Kingdom’s lion legacy unfold.
