A Brand-New Giraffe Calf Has Joined the Herd

Spring 2026 is bringing some seriously adorable news out of Disney's Animal Kingdom -- and it all starts with four hooves and a very long neck.

A female Masai giraffe calf was born at Disney's Animal Kingdom in early May, arriving at around 120 pounds and standing nearly six feet tall. Her mom, Willow, has been by her side every step of the way as the little one finds her footing and explores the world around her.

By mid-June, the calf -- now named Ivy -- had already made her savanna debut on Kilimanjaro Safaris. Weighing nearly 300 pounds and standing about 7.5 feet tall, she is growing fast and showing off a curious, spirited personality.

Why This Birth Matters Beyond the Magic

Ivy's arrival is about more than just adorable photos. Masai giraffes are classified as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, with an estimated 30,000 remaining in the wild.

Disney works with experts through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums' Species Survival Plan to help care for giraffes and support a healthy population for future generations.

"She's already had her first checkup and is doing great, so mom is happily in charge," said Bri, an animal keeper at Disney's Animal Kingdom. "Right now, she's rarely far from her side, following her around the barn, exploring her surroundings and learning something new every day."

Keep an eye out for Ivy on Kilimanjaro Safaris this summer alongside her half-brother Tucker, a fan favorite born in 2025.

Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge Is Getting in on the Action

The baby boom doesn't stop at the park gates. Over at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge, several new arrivals have been settling in and winning hearts.

A male nyala calf named Parker is adjusting to life on the savanna. Nyala calves are born with white stripes and spots that help them blend into tall grass -- and as Parker grows, he will develop a darker coat and the iconic spiral horns that make male nyalas so striking. Fun fact: male and female nyalas look so different from one another that they are considered one of the most visually distinctive antelope species around.

Red river hog piglets are also making their debut. Mason, Cooper, and Phillip -- born to mom Clementine -- plus Demi, born shortly after to mom Persimmon, are already exploring their habitat and sticking close to their moms as they discover their new surroundings.

"Even with all that experience, no two arrivals are ever the same," said Mel, an animal keeper at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge, who noted that the team has been welcoming new animals to the lodge for more than 25 years.

And then there is Mabel -- the first Ankole calf born at Walt Disney World in more than 20 years. Though small now, Mabel will one day grow the sweeping, dramatic horns that make Ankole cattle such an unforgettable sight.

What This Means for Guests This Summer

Most of these little ones are still spending time backstage, bonding with their moms and building strength. But they won't be behind the scenes for long. Guests visiting Disney's Animal Kingdom and Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge this summer can look forward to spotting young animals exploring their habitats -- the kind of moment that turns a great vacation into an unforgettable one.

These arrivals are also a reflection of Disney's broader commitment to wildlife conservation through the Disney Conservation Fund. Since 1995, the fund has directed more than $141 million toward community conservation programs that protect wildlife, inspire action, and support environmental resilience around the world.

Ready to plan a visit and catch a glimpse of these incredible animals? Reach out to a Crazy Imagination Travel advisor -- we will help make sure every moment of the trip is something worth talking about.