One of the best rides at Disney’s Animal Kingdom is Kilimanjaro Safaris. Guests ride on a big safari vehicle and get to see lots of African animals in their habitat. I love to take pictures of all the animals, but when I get home I often wish I knew the names of the animals in my pictures and maybe some facts about them. In Safari Stars, my new series, I will introduce you to 10 African animals found on Kilimanjaro Safaris. Along with a picture and their name I’ll give you 5 fun facts about each animal. Happiness Squared. Today’s animal is the warthog.
Everyone knows about warthogs because of the Lion King. Pumbaa (which means foolish in Swahili) is Timon, the meerkat’s, best friend. Even though he is a little smelly he has no worries. Hakuna Matata. In real life warthogs are not quite so cute and cuddly, and in fact, they do have warts on their face. I think I’ll stick with Pumbaa.
If you want to see the funniest movie ever, starring Timon and Pumbaa, watch Lion King 1 1/2. Real life warthogs may not be funny, but Pumbaa steals the show.
5 fun facts about warthogs:
1) Warthogs are related to domestic pigs.
2) They look ferocious, but they are actually grazers, eating grasses and using their snout to dig up roots and bulbs.
3) When threatened they can run up to 30 miles an hour. Their first defense is running away.
4) They love to wallow in water and mud to get away from insects, but their tough hide allows them to go months without water.
5) A group of warthogs is called a sounder.
Were you surprised to find out that warthogs would rather run than fight?
Goofy tip: If you are curious about any of the animals seen on Kilimanjaro Safaris National Geographic has a great website about lots of African animals. Check it out by clicking here.
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