ORLANDO, Fla. — A newly born Masai giraffe named Tucker made his Walt Disney World debut on Monday at Animal Kingdom’s Harambe Wildlife Reserve alongside his mom, Mara.
Tucker is the first giraffe calf born at Walt Disney World Resort since 2021. The Masai giraffe is classified as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, with around 30,000 giraffes remaining globally, according to Disney.
Disney has partnered with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums to help protect and conserve the iconic species. Through the AZA’s Species Survival Plan, Disney has welcomed the births of a variety of animals, including Hartmann’s mountain zebras, cotton-top tamarins, a rare addax, and an endangered Sumatran tiger cub, Disney said in a release.
Guests can take a trip on Kilimanjaro Safaris to view the variety of wildlife that call Animal Kingdom home, including Tucker the giraffe.
Over the next few weeks, guests will get the chance to witness the calf’s development journey, as he takes his first steps and explores his surroundings.
As an AZA-accredited facility, Animal Kingdom has an on-site veterinary care hospital and a team of specialized care experts providing the highest standard of care to Tucker and the park’s other animals.
Disney said the calf’s birth contributes to the genetic diversity and health of the Masai giraffe population, ensuring that future generations can enjoy seeing the animals.
Celebrating its 30th anniversary, the Disney Conservation Fund continues to support organizations at the forefront of critical conservation efforts, directing more than $132 million to programs and communities working to protect wildlife, inspire action, and promote environmental resilience.
