Pics! The Affection Section Petting Zoo Has Officially Re-Opened in Disney's Animal Kingdom!

Jambo from Animal Kingdom, everyone! Every time we are in the parks, we have been spending our time eating Simba pretzels and exploring the unique decorations around each area.

Tree of Life

But, we’re putting Christmas and snacks on halt today because it’s time to cuddle some animals! Affection Section has been closed since Disney’s Animal Kingdom re-opened, but the petting zoo has now opened to guests again with additional health and safety measures. And, we’re taking you with us to check out the new protocols and to see some sweet goats, sheep, and more!

As you head over to Rafiki’s Planet Watch, you can find the Affection Section near the Conservation Station in Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Although it can be a relaxing place to pop over to when the parks are getting busy…

Conservation Station

…many guests were just as excited as we were to return back to the petting zoo! The line to enter the Affection Section was long (but distanced), and moved fairly quickly as guests made their way through each area.

Affection Section Queue

Hand-sanitizing stations, hand-washing stations, and distancing measures were used at the Affection Section, where Cast Members asked guests to pet the animals from the shoulders back as a safety precaution.

Animal Kingdom Cast Member

And, we couldn’t wait to finally greet everyone after being gone for so long!

When petting, they ask you to do it from the shoulders back. 🐐 pic.twitter.com/fG5QfUqS3V

— AJ Wolfe (@DisneyFoodBlog) November 15, 2020

Some animals were wandering freely through the area, while others were sectioned off to keep both the animals and guests safe!

Visiting the Affection Station at Rafiki’s Planet Watch! pic.twitter.com/EBCMlyki6K

— AJ Wolfe (@DisneyFoodBlog) November 15, 2020

The petting zoo had all sorts of animals to visit with, including pigs…

Pig

…(who were absolute sweethearts)…

Pig

…sheep…

Sheep

…and goats!

Goat

Obviously, we love every single one of them with our whole hearts! ❤️

Look at all these cuties 🐐 at the Affection Station in Animal Kingdom! pic.twitter.com/Cpomlteyih

— AJ Wolfe (@DisneyFoodBlog) November 15, 2020

We found out some fun facts about the animals we encountered, like this Katahdin sheep that’s native to the state of Maine. While sheep usually have wool, this one actually has hair and sheds like a dog!

Katahdin Sheep

In case you thought that Disney’s Animal Kingdom couldn’t get any cooler, the older herd of goats have 80’s pop culture names, like Bueller, McFly, and Princess Leia. On the other hand, the younger crowd of goats are named after 90’s icons like Buffy, Topanga, and Phoebe!

Goats

We also got to meet Daisy, who was born back in January! She’s never been around guests before, so Cast Members were helping her learn how to meet new friends for the first time.

Daisy!

While many of the animals we got to see were happy to be around people again (we missed you guys too)…

Hello, Friend!

…the Affection Section also had different ramps, houses, bridges, and more for them to play on too!

Animal Ramps in the Affection Section

Oh, how we’ve missed seeing all the sweet animals at the Affection Section! We’re so glad that this part of Disney’s Animal Kingdom has re-opened to guests again. And, we’ll be sure to update you on the other new and returning entertainment we find around Disney World!

Take a look at everything new happening in Disney’s Animal Kingdom here!

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