New Baby Giraffe Born At Disney World’s Animal Kingdom

Lake Buena Vista, FL – Disney‘s Animal Kingdom is abuzz with excitement as a new baby Masai giraffe, Tucker, takes his first steps onto the Kilimanjaro Safaris savanna.

Born to Mara, a beloved giraffe who has called the savanna home since 2015, Tucker’s arrival marks the first giraffe calf birth at Walt Disney World Resort since 2021, according to Disney Parks Blog.

Mara, a seasoned mother, has now expanded her family three times, with Tucker following in the hoofsteps of his older sibling Jabari, born in 2019. Guests and staff alike watched in awe today as Mara and her newest calf stretched their long legs and strolled onto the savanna, a sight that symbolizes both the beauty of nature and the promise of a healthier future for an endangered species.

The Masai giraffe, known for its distinctive jagged, leaf-like spots, stands as the tallest land animal on Earth—a title once held by its prehistoric relative, the massive Sivatherium.

Often referred to as the “massive giraffe,” Sivatherium roamed Africa and Asia millions of years ago, weighing up to 2,200 pounds and sporting a robust, moose-like frame with horned ossicones. While modern Masai giraffes like Mara and Tucker are sleeker, reaching heights of up to 18 feet, they carry forward the legacy of their colossal ancestors.

Today, however, their survival is threatened, with only about 30,000 Masai giraffes remaining in the wild, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), which classifies them as endangered.

“Tucker’s birth is really important for us,” said Dr. Mark Penning, Vice President of Disney’s Animals, Science and Environment. “It’s a testament to Disney’s leadership in animal care and conservation and our incredible partnership with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and the Species Survival Plan. This plan focuses on maintaining genetic diversity of the giraffe population and helping to prevent giraffes from becoming extinct.”

Disney’s Animal Kingdom, working closely with the AZA’s Species Survival Plan, plays a vital role in ensuring the species’ genetic diversity and long-term survival. Tucker’s arrival strengthens this effort, offering hope that future generations will continue to marvel at these gentle giants.

Behind the scenes, Disney’s world-class animal care professionals and on-site veterinarians have been working tirelessly to provide Mara and Tucker with top-tier care. “This birth is a true testament to the incredible work of our animal care team at Walt Disney World,” Dr. Penning added.

As Tucker grows, he will contribute to the health and diversity of the Masai giraffe population at Animal Kingdom, ensuring that the savanna remains a vibrant home for these majestic creatures. For now, guests can catch glimpses of the adorable calf alongside his proud mother on Kilimanjaro Safaris—a living reminder of the past, present, and future of giraffe conservation.