Spring has officially arrived at Walt Disney World, and with it comes some cute New baby animals! As Earth Month comes to a close, we’re celebrating a season filled with critters, big milestones, and heartwarming moments that happen behind the scenes at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge.
Our herd of Masai giraffes just got cuter
June 11, 2026
Our Maasai giraffe calf Ivy, born in April, has made her debut on the savannah and Kilimanjaro Adventure guests can see her with her mom, Willow!
Already weighing nearly 300 pounds and standing approximately 7.5 feet tall, Ivy is growing rapidly and exhibits her curious personality as she observes the herd and explores her surroundings.
May 1, 2026
It's a girl! A female Masai giraffe calf was born at Disney's Animal Kingdom earlier this month, weighing about 120 pounds and standing nearly 6 feet tall. Her mother Willow is always by her side Help her curious calves learn the ropes of life as they bond and settle down.
While she may be small now (by giraffe standards!), her arrival is an important moment for her species. Masai giraffes listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Naturethere are an estimated 30,000 left worldwide.
Through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan, Disney works with experts to help care for giraffes and support their health for future generations.
Behind the scenes at Disney's Animal Kingdom, the animal care team is closely monitoring her growth and milestones. “She's had her first checkup and is doing great, so mom is happy to be in charge,” said Brie, an animal keeper at Disney's Animal Kingdom. “Now she rarely strays far from her side, follow her around the barn, explore her surroundings and learn something new every day.”
Currently, the calf is spending time with mom Willow backstage, but soon guests will be able to see her stretching her legs on the Kilimanjaro expedition as she joins other members of the herd this summer, including fan favorite tucker (Her half-brother!) Born in 2025.
More new arrivals at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
Our newest baby giraffe isn’t the only animal stealing hearts this spring. At Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge, several other critters have arrived and they're already making quite an impression. A male bushbuck calf named Parker Moving into his new home.
Woodbuck calves are born with white stripes and spots, which help them blend into the tall grass, and as the puck grows, he will develop the dark fur and signature spiral horns that make male woodbucks so unique.
interesting facts
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Male and female woodbucks look completely different, making them one of the most unique antelope species in the savanna.
“We've been welcoming new critters to the lodge since the lodge opened 25 years ago, so our team knows exactly how to prepare them for life on the savannah—from getting to know the space and sounds to watching them react to their mom and their new surroundings,” said Mel, an animal keeper at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge. “Even with all this experience, no two arrivals are the same.”
You probably already know these little guys. Red River piglets Mason, Cooper and Phillip, born to mother Clementine, and Demi, born shortly after to mother Persimmon, are beginning to explore their savanna habitat at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge. As they cling to mom and discover their new home, they're already bursting with personality.
Last but not least, Mabel, the first Ankole calf born at Walt Disney World For over 20 years, it has been thriving under the care of Disney's expert animal care team. Although Mabel is still small now, she will one day grow the striking, broad horns that make the Ankole an unforgettable sight.
Bringing protection into guests’ livess
While the critters are currently spending time backstage — bonding with their mother, growing stronger, and receiving around-the-clock care — it won’t be long before they make their debut on the savanna at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge this summer. Seeing a small animal exploring its habitat creates unforgettable moments for guests and inspires curiosity, connection and appreciation for wildlife.
These exciting milestones reflect Disney’s ongoing commitment to conservation efforts around the world through: Disney Conservation Fund. Since 1995, the Disney Conservation Fund has awarded more than $141 million to community conservation programs to support organizations that work with communities to protect wildlife, inspire action and increase environmental resilience.
With the passion and expertise of the cast and crew, these newcomers bring conservation stories to life for guests every day, and we can’t wait for you to meet them.
