means of controlled burning. With the help of technology, Disney has transported lonely zoo animals and put them in their original surroundings once again. Technology uprooted pieces of Africa to better care for African animals in the United States, as well as to provide adventure for those who cannot jet to Africa for a true safari, which includes some risk of danger and insecurity. (Tate 2) In following the form of Heideggers definition of technology as a mediation of nature, it correctly fits the Disney technological nature (qtd in Phillips 218). Technological NatureWith these working definitions of nature and technological nature, we can move onto how Disneys Animal Kingdom uses technological nature. In the newest theme park, Animal Kingdom, Disney has recreated an African community and several other exotic lands, like Dinoland and Asia. Disney engineers, called Imagineers, imported African trees, grasses, and other plants, to provide the setting for the pseudo-savanna attraction, the Kilamanjaro Safari Ride. How does technology add to the realness of the park? While theme parks are mostly illusion, occasionally things that seem authentic really are. Thatched roofs on buildings in the faux village [of Harambe] were hand woven by 13 Zulu thatchers brought over from South Africa, using bundles of grass harvested by their wives, sisters, and mothers. Some 1500 hand-painted wooden animals were crafted in Bali, under Disney supervision. (Gunther 123) Ninety students from African countries were hired to really validate the experience. Disney has done a convincing makeover of the Florida acreage. When Franklin Sonn, the African ambassador to the United States saw the new kingdom, he said This is my bush veldt. This is my home (qtd in Shklyanoy 4).Kilamanjaro SafariSpecifically, the Kilamanjaro Safari is the prime example of Disneys use of technological nature. Everyone, listen up! Climb aboard your open-aired safari veh...
