Disney's Animal Kingdom has today announced the recent birth of a Masai giraffe calf born on June 10, 2021 - the third giraffe born at Disney's Animal Kingdom in the past year.
According to Disney's animal care team on site for the birth, the healthy calf weighed 183 pounds and stood six feet tall.
Disney says that the still-to-be named calf is calm, relaxed, and enjoys cuddle time with his mom, Lily. Distinct markings reveal a butterfly on his right shoulder, heart-shaped spots on his coat, and a white-tipped speckled mane.
Giraffes born at the park spend several weeks bonding in backstage environments before meeting their extended giraffe family members. Mom and the new calf should be joining the rest of the giraffe herd on the savanna in the coming weeks.
This most recent birth is another success for the Association of Zoos and Aquariums' Species Survival Plan Program. These plans ensure responsible breeding of threatened and endangered species.
Giraffes are a vulnerable species facing a silent extinction in the wild, with a population decline of 40 percent over the past 30 years.
Walt Disney World Resort is home to two subspecies of giraffes. Masai giraffe live on the park's Kilimanjaro Safaris savanna, while Reticulated giraffe, Hybrid giraffe, and Masai giraffe roam the savanna at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge.
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