There’s a new name to know next time you step aboard your safari truck at Disney’s Animal Kingdom! The baby Masai giraffe born in April, Ivy, has made her savanna debut and can be seen by guests on Kilimanjaro Safaris alongside her mom, Willow!
Ivy weighs nearly 300 pounds and standing about 7 ½ feet tall. Disney says Ivy is growing quickly and showing off her curious personality as she observes the herd and explores her surroundings on the savanna. She joins an established herd on Kilimanjaro Safaris that includes her half-brother Tucker, born in 2025.
Ivy’s birth marked the first giraffe calf born at Walt Disney World in 2026 and is another addition to the park’s long-running conservation and animal care efforts. The Masai giraffe is the largest giraffe subspecies and is known for its distinctive, jagged-edged spot patterns.
Masai giraffes are classified as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, with only an estimated 30,000 remaining in the wild. Disney works alongside the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan to support healthy giraffe populations for the long haul.
While there is no guarantee where she will be on the savanna during your safari, younger giraffes often stay close to their mothers as they become comfortable with their surroundings. Guests may spot Ivy exploring the habitat, observing other members of the herd, or keeping pace with Willow as the pair settles into their daily routine.
Animal births have long been a favorite part of visiting Disney’s Animal Kingdom, giving guests the opportunity to see conservation in action while learning about species facing challenges in the wild. With her recent debut, Ivy has quickly become one of the newest stars of Kilimanjaro Safaris.
If you’re heading to Animal Kingdom soon, keep an eye out for the towering youngster during your next ride through the Harambe Wildlife Reserve!
