Earth Month kicked off April 1st and in correlation, it is the 30th anniversary of Disney Conservation Fund!
Harambe Wildlife Reserve at Disney’s Animal Kingdom marked the arrival of a precious endangered giraffe calf. Mara, the beloved Masai giraffe gave birth to a beautiful baby boy named Tucker! This long-awaited arrival marks the first giraffe calf born at Walt Disney World Resort since 2021 and underscores Disney’s ongoing commitment to wildlife and species protection.
Over the past several weeks Tucker has been monitored by Disney’s skilled animal care experts as he bonds, nurses and nuzzles with mom Mara in a backstage area. Guests can board a vehicle on Kilimanjaro Safaris to get a glimpse of this adorable new addition as he explores his surroundings with other animals like Ankole cattle, Hartmann’s mountain zebras and other species. Over the next few weeks, guests will have the opportunity to witness the calf’s developmental journey, as he takes his first steps in his new surroundings. Tucker is being closely monitored by Disney’s world-class team, animal care professionals and veterinarians ensuring his well-being through a carefully planned, compassionate approach.
Recognizing the urgency to protect rapidly vanishing wildlife and habitats around the world, the Disney Conservation Fund provides support to conservation organizations already at the forefront of critical conservation efforts. During Earth Month, 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.
The Masai giraffe is classified as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), with around 30,000 giraffes remaining globally. Through our partnership with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plan (SSP), Disney continues to play a critical role in the protection and conservation of this iconic species. Following the AZA’s SSP, Disney has welcomed the births of a variety of animals just in the last year including Hartmann’s mountain zebras, cotton-top tamarins, a rare addax and a most recently, Bakso, an adorable, endangered Sumatran tiger cub.
As one of the select few AZA-accredited facilities with an on-site veterinary care hospital and a team of specialized animal care experts, Disney is committed to providing the highest standard of care for all animals, ensuring a healthier future for endangered species. The calf’s birth is a key reminder of the vital role we all play in preserving endangered species and protecting biodiversity for future generations. Disney’s Animal Kingdom is not only a place where families can create magical memories, but also a hub for wildlife conservation efforts around the 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.
Excited that you will soon be able to get a glimpse of Tucker the baby giraffe at Disney’s Animal Kingdom?