OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — Disney's Animal Kingdom is celebrating a very special arrival — the first African elephant calf born at the park in seven years.
What You Need To Know
- Baby African elephant born recently at Disney's Animal Kingdom
- The female calf named Corra is the first one for mom Nadirah, who was born at the park in 2005
- Corra and her mom are currently bonding backstage before they join the rest of the herd
The female calf named Corra was born to mother Nadirah and weighed 218 pounds at birth, Disney said in a blog post.
Corra's birth is extra special because she is the first second-generation calf at the park. Nadirah was also born at Animal Kingdom in 2005.
"It's been very special for me and the team to watch first-time mother Nadirah embrace her new motherly instincts and nurture the sweet bond with her baby girl," said Dr. Mark Penning, vice president of Disney's Animal, Science and Environment, in an Instagram post.
Nadirah became pregnant in early 2022 through natural breeding and received care from Disney's animal care for her 22-month pregnancy, Disney said. She also had help from her sister Luna.
Births like Corra's are planned through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Species Survival Plan, which helps ensure responsible breeding of endangered animals, Disney said.
For now, Corra and her mom are bonding backstage, where the veterinary team is monitoring the pair to ensure health. Soon they will both join the herd, giving Corra a chance to meet her grandmother Donna and her other aunt, Stella.