Amid the tidal wave of permanent attraction closures that have hit Walt Disney World in recent months, you may have overlooked the loss of one opening-day area that recently went extinct. Join the Unofficial Guides team as we say goodbye to the goats, sheep, and other adorable livestock who once inhabited the now-closed Affection Section at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
The Affection Section was an outdoor petting zoo featuring domesticated farm animals, which opened with Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park in 1998. It was part of Conservation Station, Animal Kingdom’s
veterinary and conservation headquarters, where guests can continue to meet wildlife experts and observe medical procedures.
Located just outside the Conservation Station building, Affection Section was a permanent petting area, where guests could roam among friendly goats and sheep.
A cow and a donkey were also on display, along with playground equipment for the critters to climb on and sinks for post-petting handwashing.
February 22nd was the final day of operations for Affection Section. The area is being transformed into a new attraction featuring Australian animals, tying into the arrival of Bluey and Bingo’s new meet and greet, coming this summer inside the Conservation Station. Unfortunately, the new exhibit will be strictly hands-off, as the new animals will not be interacting with people.
Along with the Affection Section, Disney has also closed Conservation Station’s Animation Academy drawing class, which will be returning to its roots at the reborn Magic of Disney Animation attraction coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Because guests have to take the Wildlife Express train from Harambe to reach Conservation Station, the Affection Section was never particularly popular, making it a great place to avoid the overwhelming crowds on a busy day.
There used to also be petting zoos in Mickey’s Birthdayland in Magic Kingdom and at Big Thunder Ranch in Disneyland. But from now on, the only animal cast members most guests will encounter up close in the domestic Disney parks are the horses who draw trolleys along Main Street U.S.A.
What do you think about the closure of Affection Section at Disney’s Animal Kingdom? Let us know in the comments below!
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