Happy Golden Hippo Birthday at Disney’s Animal Kingdom – Viviana Turns 50. Being an opening day Cast Member (Are they cast members? I mean they do work there, and get paid in food and care) means Viviana the Hippo has seen millions and millions of guests. Bringing joy to many people around the world. Today Disney celebrated her 50th birthday in fun fashion.
Dr Mark at Disney: “Today, we’re celebrating a truly remarkable milestone — Viviana, one of the opening day animals here at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, is marking her 50th birthday. Born on January 22nd, Viviana has been a cherished member of our animal family, and she continues to thrive on Kilimanjaro Safaris. She enjoys spending her days relaxing in the water and socializing with her hippo friends, Tuma, Tequila, and Ramona. To celebrate her golden anniversary, our skilled Animal Nutrition team crafted a special “birthday cake” filled with some of Viviana’s favorite foods, including refreshing watermelon and cantaloupe.
Viviana’s long life is a testament to the care and attention she receives from the Animal Care team, and we’re grateful to celebrate 50 years of health, happiness, and unforgettable moments with her. Happy Birthday to this one-of-a-kind hippo!”
Hippopotamuses – Disney Animals – Discover the power and surprising grace of the mighty, water-loving hippopotamus.
Hippos at Walt Disney World Resort: Living together in groups called “bloats,” hippos make their home in the calm rivers and lakes of Sub-Saharan Africa. These enormous amphibious mammals don’t swim. Instead, they walk along the bottom of the water, holding their breath for up to 5 minutes before they push themselves gracefully to the surface.
Be on the lookout for hippos during the following experiences at Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park:
- Kilimanjaro Safaris, a Guest-favorite safari ride
- Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail, where you can watch hippos underwater
- Wild Africa Trek, a fascinating VIP tour
Home Away From Home: Disney animal care experts are dedicated to creating natural habitats that cater to the specific needs of hippos.
Here’s a look inside the life of a hippo at Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park:
- The Right Ambience: With waterfalls, rocks, shaded trees and wading pools, this habitat encourages the hippos to explore and interact with their surroundings.
- Veterinary Care and Training: The hippos are trained using tasty treats—like whole watermelons—as a reward. The hippos are trained to open their mouths on cue so animal care experts can inspect their teeth. Plus, the hippos follow sound cues to shift from onstage to backstage areas.
- A Buffet Every Day: The hippos are provided with various plant options to eat daily.
Disney Conservation: Saving Hippopotamuses: Despite their immense size, hippos face many threats, including habitat loss and poaching. The Walt Disney Company is committed to saving wildlife and protecting the magic of nature together as a global community. The Disney Conservation Fund* has supported projects throughout Africa since 1995 to protect the wildlife and habitats of this vast continent.
