188. Rick Barongi on the Development of Disney's Animal Kingdom

Rick Barongi poses with Mickey Mouse during the construction of the Tree of Life at Disney's Animal Kingdom.

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Rick Barongi was one of the key figures in bringing Disney’s Animal Kingdom to life in the 1990s. As the top animal executive for the creative development, planning, and construction of the park, Rick played an important part in making it successful. His role helped to ensure that animal care and conservation remained at the center of Disney’s mission. Rick is my guest on this episode of The Tomorrow Society Podcast to talk about his background and work on Walt Disney World’s fourth park.

Rick Barongi has worked in wildlife management and conservation for more than 45 years. — Photo by Rick Barongi

During this interview, Rick describes what interested him about working with animals going back to early trips to Africa. He worked at the San Diego Zoo when Disney contacted him about their secret project. His early work as a consultant ultimately led him to a full-time position as Director of Animal Programs for all of Walt Disney World. Rick collaborated with Joe Rohde’s team of Imagineers and developed an advisory board of experts. Another big milestone was creating the Disney Conservation Fund in 1995. We talk about why those conservation efforts remain such an important part of Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

Rick also relates stories from the park’s development including touring the site with Jane Goodall. We also talk about his work on Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge several years later. His next role was Director of the Houston Zoo, and Rick explains what interested him about helping that park evolve. We conclude the podcast by talking about Rick’s current work at Longneck Manor in Texas. The personal encounters with giraffes and rhinos there help to spread his conservation mission. I really enjoyed learning more about Rick’s work on Disney’s Animal Kingdom and beyond.