Meet Elijah: Disney’s Animal Kingdom Welcomes Its First Baby Okapi in Almost a Decade! Weighing in at 46 pounds at birth, with ears that stole our hearts, he’s now a remarkable 165 pounds and happily exploring Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail alongside his proud mom.
Elijah’s birth, like many others in our park, is made possible with the help of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan. This program ensures the responsible breeding of this endangered species and other species that face threats like poaching and habitat loss.
What makes Elijah so special is his name, which honors a 50-year cast member!
Cast member Elijah first joined the Magic Kingdom Park in June 1973 and transferred to the horticulture department at Disney’s Animal Kingdom when it opened in 1998. He plays a critical role in maintaining the beautiful habitats at Disney’s Animal Kingdom – from rhinos to okapi and everything in between – he creates environments that help ensure safety and promote enrichment for our animals at Walt Disney World. His passion and dedication to his role has made him a cherished cast member, and what better way to honor him than to name a rare okapi after him?
To learn more about okapi and our efforts to protect endangered and threatened species, visit DisneyAnimals.com.
