We are neck-deep in excitement here as we welcome a towering new addition to our Kilimanjaro Safaris family at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Mara, our beloved Masai giraffe, gave birth to a beautiful baby boy named Tucker!
This long-awaited arrival marks the first giraffe calf birth at Walt Disney World Resort since 2021 and underscores our ongoing commitment to wildlife and species protection. Mara, who joined our savanna in 2015, has proudly expanded her family, not once – but three times now! It seems like just yesterday we were celebrating the birth of her first calf, Jabari, in 2019. Today we watched Mara and Tucker stretch their legs and stroll out onto the savanna.
A Baby Giraffe Stands Tall for Conservation at Animal Kingdom
The birth of Mara’s baby giraffe at Animal Kingdom is a significant achievement. The Masai giraffe is classified as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), with around 30,000 giraffes remaining globally. With habitat loss and poaching posing threats in their natural environments, Disney is working hard to help protect this iconic species.
“Tucker’s birth is really important for us. 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,” said Dr. Mark Penning, Vice President of Disney’s Animals, Science and Environment.
Our team of world-class animal care professionals and expert on-site veterinarians have been working around the clock to ensure both Mara and her calf receive leading care. This birth is a true testament to the incredible work of our animal care team at Walt Disney World.
Tucker’s arrival contributes to the genetic diversity and health of the Masai giraffe population, ensuring that future generations can enjoy the sight of these majestic animals towering above the savanna.
The Disney Conservation Fund Celebrates 30 Years of Wildlife Protection
Recognizing the urgency to protect rapidly vanishing wildlife and habitats around the world, the Disney Conservation Fund provides support to respected conservation organizations already at the forefront of critical conservation efforts.
This year, the Disney Conservation Fund (DCF) is celebrating its 30th anniversary. Since its inception in 1995, the Disney Conservation Fund has directed more than $132 million to community conservation programs to support organizations working with communities to protect wildlife, inspire action, and promote environmental resilience.
Claire Martin, Senior Manager of Biodiversity Conservation, Environmental Sustainability at The Walt Disney Company“Through DCF grants to local and global nonprofit organizations and the expertise of Disney Conservation cast members driving both scientific research and on-the-ground action, Disney helps protect endangered species, restore habitats, empower the next generation of conservation leaders, and address environmental challenges worldwide.”
For updates on Tucker, and to see all the amazing work our talented team of cast members are doing for the more than 5,000 animals across Disney World, follow Disney’s Animals, Science and Environment on Facebook and Dr. Mark on Instagram.
