We all know the “famous” Wildnerness Explorer, Russell, right? He was working his way towards earning several badges and while at Disney’s Animal Kingdom last week, I discovered that you and I can become Wilderness Explorers as well!
Wilderness Explorers
While at the Monkey Kingdom event, we found out that guests of Animal Kingdom can actually work their way through the park earning badges. Using a Wilderness field guide, guests go through dozens of self-guided activities to earn their adventure badges. There are over 30 badges to be obtained and they help you discover more about the park and its inhabitants.
Before you even set out, you must learn the Wilderness Explorer call: “Caw! Caw! Roar!” This earns you the very first badge in your book and your are then ready to set out and explore. Begin anywhere you like within the park and keep your eyes open. There are clue markers along the way to help discover where the badges can be earned.
From listening to a ham radio for a secret code, to collecting clues along the nature trail, to learning to track animals, there is definitely fun and exploring to be done. After every challenge you can collect a new sticker badge for your official Wilderness Explorer field guide, including:
- Veterinary Badge – Help diagnose a sea turtle’s health issue
- Dinosaur Badge – Join in the exploration for dinosaur fossils
- Animal Find Badge – Check off each of the animals you see
- Music Badge – Learn how to play an African drum pattern
- Yeti Badge – Find Yeti artifacts and hear about the folklore
Each challenge is meant to help enrich your visit to Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Whether teaching you about animal nutrition or care, learning the habits of gorillas, or going on a backyard hunt, there is much to be discovered as you work through the badges. Simply take your time and enjoy the park. Learn and play along the way.
The program is free. Simply pick up a Wilderness Explorer field guide and you are ready to begin. Stop at each location and follow the instructions in your book to earn badges. It is educational and entertaining for all ages! Finally, don’t be dismayed if you do not get all your badges in one day. It is meant to be done slowly so that you can learn. Ask questions, as well as listen, to the field guides as you encounter each one. You will be glad you did!
Want to learn more about monkeys in the wild? Be sure to swing into theaters to watch Disneynature’s Monkey Kingdom!