"Zoo Day" Special Event at Animal Kingdom on Sept. 17

Throughout the day on September 17, approximately 3,000 members of both the Association of Zoos & Aquariums and International Marine Animal Trainers Association will be visiting Disney's Animals Kingdom Theme Park to enjoy “Zoo Day,” as part of their annual joint conference. On that day, Animal Kingdom will close at 5 p.m. and Guests participating in this special event will remain in the park for a special progressive party taking place in Dinoland, Asia, and Africa.

To better accommodate event Guests, Winged Encounters show times will be 11:45 a.m. and 1, 2 and 4:30 p.m. on September 17. Also multiple free backstage tours will be available exclusively to event Guests.

Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) members are a network of more than 6,000 committed zoo and aquarium professionals, organizations and suppliers world-wide. All share a commitment to wildlife conservation, education, science and animal care. AZA also welcomes non-professional members who support the conservation work of zoos and aquariums.

International Marine Animal Trainers' Association (IMATA) was founded to foster communication, professionalism, and cooperation among those who serve marine mammal science through training, public display, research, husbandry, conservation, and education. Specifically, IMATA recognizes its role and responsibilities to the continued existence of oceanaria, aquaria, and laboratories housing marine mammals.