At Disney’s Animal Kingdom in Florida, a team of dedicated animal care experts works tirelessly to ensure the well-being of the over 2,000 animals that call the park home. These animals represent 300 different species and require specialized care to thrive. For certain bird species, such as northern carmine bee-eaters, this care includes the use of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) bands. These tiny bands, which are about the size of a grain of rice, are used to monitor the birds’ breeding behaviors and diets.
With RFID technology, scientists at Disney’s Animal Kingdom are able to gain valuable insights into the northern carmine bee-eaters’ activity, location, behavior, and responses to training cues. This research has already led to improvements in the birds’ care and understanding, and the goal is to expand this research to include other bird species in the future.
Andrew, a research programs specialist on the Animals, Science and Environment team at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, is excited about implementing cutting-edge technology to improve the care of these birds. The park closely monitors the breeding and feeding habits of over 100 birds, including the largest population of carmine bee-eaters in any Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accredited institution.
Through ongoing research and advanced technology like RFID bands, Disney’s Animal Kingdom is able to provide top-notch care for their diverse animal population. The park remains committed to enhancing their understanding of various species and ensuring that all animals receive the specialized care they need.