BACKSTORY (April 22, 1998–PRESENT): Opening on Earth Day, this WDW park with live animals as its centerpiece was opened at 6 a.m. with the song "Circle of Life" from “The Lion King.” The first two residentswere giraffes who moved in 2 years prior to opening; eventually, over 1,000 animals would call Animal Kingdom "home." The iconic centerpiece of the park is its 14-story tall Tree of Life.
