If there’s one thing that can instantly brighten a Disney fan’s day, it’s baby animals. And right now, Walt Disney World has plenty of them.
From a new giraffe calf roaming the savanna to piglets, antelope calves, and a rare Ankole calf, Disney is celebrating a season full of new arrivals across Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge.
As someone who never skips a ride on Kilimanjaro Safaris, seeing baby animals on the savanna always makes the experience feel a little more special. It’s one thing to see these incredible species, but watching young animals explore their habitats for the first time is something entirely different.
Meet Ivy, Animal Kingdom’s Newest Giraffe
The biggest star of Disney’s latest baby boom is undoubtedly Ivy, a female Masai giraffe calf born in April.
Guests can now spot Ivy alongside her mother, Willow, on Kilimanjaro Safaris. Although she’s still a baby, she’s already impressive, standing roughly 7½ feet tall and weighing close to 300 pounds.
Like most young giraffes, Ivy seems to be full of curiosity, sticking close to her mom while learning how to navigate life on the savanna.
What’s especially exciting is that Masai giraffes are classified as endangered, making every birth an important milestone. Disney continues to participate in conservation efforts through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan, helping maintain healthy populations of endangered species.
New Arrivals at Animal Kingdom Lodge
The baby boom isn’t limited to the theme park.
Over at Animal Kingdom Lodge, guests may also spot Parker, a male nyala calf who recently joined the savanna.
Nyala are one of Africa’s most unique antelope species, and it’s always fascinating how dramatically males and females differ in appearance. Parker currently sports the white spots and stripes typical of young calves but will eventually develop the darker coloring and spiral horns that make male nyala so distinctive.
Piglets Stealing the Show
Let’s be honest. No matter how majestic giraffes are, piglets have a way of stealing attention.
Disney’s red river hog family recently grew with the arrival of piglets Mason, Cooper, Phillip, and Demi. The young hogs have started exploring their habitat while staying close to their mothers, Clementine and Persimmon.
Anyone who has watched red river hogs at Animal Kingdom knows they’re already full of personality, and seeing piglets discover their surroundings only makes them more entertaining.
A Rare Milestone for Disney
Another exciting addition is Mabel, the first Ankole calf born at Walt Disney World in more than 20 years.
While she’s still young, Mabel will eventually develop the enormous, iconic horns that make Ankole cattle one of the most recognizable species on Disney’s savannas.
It’s a significant milestone not only for Disney’s animal care team but also for guests who may have the opportunity to watch Mabel grow over the coming years.
Why These Births Matter
It’s easy to focus on how adorable these animals are, but these births also highlight a much bigger story.
One of the things that has always set Animal Kingdom apart is its connection to real-world conservation. Behind every baby animal guests see on the savanna is a team of veterinarians, animal keepers, nutritionists, and conservation experts working around the clock to care for them.
Disney notes that the Disney Conservation Fund has directed more than $141 million toward conservation programs worldwide since 1995, supporting wildlife protection and community-based conservation efforts around the globe.
Keep an Eye on the Savannas
While some of the youngest arrivals are still spending time backstage bonding with their mothers, more of these animals will continue making appearances throughout the summer.
And honestly, there may be no better excuse to hop on Kilimanjaro Safaris a second or third time during your visit.
After all, you never know when a baby giraffe, piglet, or curious calf might decide to make an appearance.
Janine is a theme park and pop culture nerd from an early age. Since 1994, she’s been traversing the theme park world and has enjoyed all things from Halloween events to new ride releases and beyond. When she’s not at a theme park, she’s probably at a concert or doing something fun with her kiddo.