- "Made the one I got down in Kenya look like a petting zoo!"
- —John Hammond describes Jurassic Park(src)
Animal Kingdom was a pioneering wildlife park established by John Hammond in 1969 in Nairobi, Kenya. It served as Hammond’s initial attempt at combining the excitement of exotic animal attractions with the burgeoning possibilities of genetic science. The park focused primarily on showcasing living dinosaurs created through early genetic cloning techniques, representing one of the first steps toward what would later become the ambitious Jurassic Park project.
The park was managed by Robert Muldoon, who served as the game warden. Muldoon’s experience in Animal Kingdom provided him with essential knowledge about managing genetically resurrected prehistoric creatures, skills he later brought to Jurassic Park. Animal Kingdom’s success and challenges helped shape Hammond’s vision and operational strategies for his subsequent theme parks.
Though less technologically advanced than Jurassic Park, Animal Kingdom was instrumental in proving the viability of de-extinction through genetic manipulation. It laid the groundwork for future developments in dinosaur cloning and park design. Its establishment in Nairobi, Kenya, was strategically chosen for its rich biodiversity and suitable environment for housing large exotic animals, including the cloned dinosaurs.
Behind the scenes[]
The name "Animal Kingdom" is likely inspired by Disney's Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney World in Florida, reflecting a trend toward immersive wildlife-themed parks. This connection hints at the cultural influence and public fascination with animal-themed entertainment venues during the mid-20th century. While fictional, Animal Kingdom symbolizes the intersection of cutting-edge science and entertainment that the Jurassic franchise explores.
Legacy[]
Animal Kingdom’s role in the larger Jurassic narrative is often understated but critical. It represents the conceptual and logistical precursor to the Jurassic Park venture, encapsulating early experimentation with genetic cloning and the ethical dilemmas inherent in reviving extinct species. The experiences and lessons learned at Animal Kingdom influenced many of the decisions made in Jurassic Park and its sequels.