Disney's Animal Kingdom welcomes two new residents

by Leah Zanolla
Mar 14, 2008

Disney's Animal Kingdom has two new residents. Kidani, the first Hartmann's Mountain zebra born at the theme park and Makena, a female giraffe, are the most recent arrivals.

The Association of Zoos and Aquariums Population Management Plan oversaw the breeding of Kidani as part of their conservation program. This 65 pound 'baby' is named after the Disney Vacation Club's Kidani Village currently under construction.

Makena weighed in at 118 pounds at birth and was just shy of 6 feet tall. Her mother was also bred at Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park.

Curator Greg Peccie stated "I'm really excited about the new additions coming to Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge and I can't wait for us to be able to share them with the guests as we get them out into the Savannah."

Currently both the babies and mothers are separated from their respective herds but are expected to be back on the savannah at the Animal Kingdom Lodge within a few weeks.

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• Last Updated: Feb 8, 2012 - 9:40:38 AM