Spring has sprung, and it’s been a big season behind the scenes at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Animal Kingdom Lodge. From giraffe calves to piglets, Disney just shared a look at the newest additions you can see for yourself later this summer!
A New Giraffe Calf Joins the Herd
In April, a female Masai giraffe calf was born at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, arriving at around 120 pounds and nearly six feet tall. Her mom, Willow, has been glued to her side ever since.
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.
Animal keeper Bri has been watching her every move: “She’s already had her first checkup and is doing great, so mom is happily in charge. Right now, she’s rarely far from her side, following her around the barn, exploring her surroundings and learning something new every day.”
You won’t have to wait too long to spot her in action! The calf is expected to join the rest of the herd on Kilimanjaro Safaris this summer, including fan-favorite Tucker, her half-brother born in 2025.
More Babies Over at Animal Kingdom Lodge
Animal Kingdom Lodge has welcomed a whole crew of new arrivals. Animal keeper Mel put it best: “We’ve been welcoming new baby animals to the lodge since its opening more than 25 years ago, so our team knows exactly how to prepare them for life on the savanna — from gradual introductions to space and sounds to watching how they respond to mom and their new environments. Even with all that experience, no two arrivals are ever the same.”
Parker, a male nyala calf, is settling into his new home. Born with the white stripes and spots that help young nyalas camouflage in tall grass, he’ll eventually develop a darker coat and the dramatic spiral horns. Fun fact: male and female nyalas look so different from each other, they’re one of the most visually distinct antelope species on the savanna!
Mason, Cooper, Phillip, and Demi are four red river hog piglets born to moms Clementine and Persimmon. They are already full of personality as they explore their savanna habitat and stick close to their mothers.
And perhaps the most historic arrival: Mabel, the first Ankole calf born at Walt Disney World in over 20 years. She may be small now, but she’ll one day grow those iconic horns that make Ankole cattle hard to forget from your Kilimanjaro Safari.
Disney’s Ongoing Conservation Efforts
These little ones are currently spending time backstage, bonding, growing, and receiving round-the-clock care from Disney’s own animal care teams. Soon, they’ll be making their public debut on the savannas this summer. It’s always exciting catching a young animal explore its habitat for the first time!
It all ties back to Disney’s conservation mission. Since 1995, the Disney Conservation Fund has directed more than $141 million toward community conservation programs protecting wildlife and promoting environmental resilience around the world, including the baby animals you see at Walt Disney World.
— Who could ever forget Bakso?
