BOY oh boy … what an exciting week! By now, you have probably “herd” the news out of Disney’s Animal Kingdom about the arrival of a new Masai giraffe calf who was born on the Kilimanjaro Safari savanna on Monday. Guests who were on the attraction that morning got to experience the wonder of nature firsthand and see some of the special moments leading up to the calf’s delivery. What better way to inspire our guests and cast than the magic of nature and the miracle of birth!

We’ve been keeping a close eye on Mom and baby, who are doing well. Since birth, the pair have been backstage nursing and bonding and will continue to stay backstage for the next month or two before going back out on the savanna.

Our animal care team has been conducting neonatal exams during which they get a better gauge on the calf’s weight, height and gender. We’re excited to share two photos – one of mom and baby boy within an hour after the birth and a close up of the calf in which you’ll see he has a special heart-shaped mark on his neck.

Our cast and Kilimanjaro Safaris drivers will be helping us choose a name for the calf so stay tuned for updates.