We are so familiar with the hard work and dedication of the team of carers at Disney’s Animal Kingdom that seeing new animal babies is no longer a surprise. This team of experts makes something very difficult look easy, helping these new babies join the community in Animal Kingdom. However, some of these babies are much harder to bring into the world than others. Just recently, an African elephant calf was born at Disney’s Animal Kingdom for the first time in seven years! After a 22-month pregnancy, let’s take a look at new mom Nadirah and her newborn baby girl named Corra!
The beautiful baby elephant is backstage bonding with mom Nadirah, and she is already bringing plenty of joy to our animal care team this holiday season. And at just 218 pounds, she is absolutely adorable! African elephant births like these are carefully planned through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Species Survival Plan. This program helps ensure the responsible breeding of endangered animals in managed care.
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This is Nadirah’s first calf, making this birth extra special because Nadirah herself was born at Disney’s Animal Kingdom in 2005, making her the first second-generation calf. Since this is Nadirah’s first birth, her sister Luna was there to guide and comfort her throughout the process. The calf will soon get to meet her grandma, Donna, and her other aunt, Stella, too. It’s common for adult females in the herd to assist in raising young elephants until they are considered to be independent, typically around 8 years old. Meaning, these family bonds will only grow stronger as the calf gets older.
