Tucker Stands Tall on the Savanna
There’s a brand-new baby on the savanna at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and he’s already head and shoulders above the crowd! Tucker, a male Masai giraffe calf, recently joined the Kilimanjaro Safaris family, and he’s wasting no time exploring alongside his mom, Mara.
If you’ve followed SamsDisneyDiary, you might remember Mara’s earlier calf Jabari, born in 2019. Now Mara is a proud mom once again, and this marks the first giraffe calf birth at Walt Disney World since 2021. Watching Tucker stretch those long legs for his first stroll across the savanna is pure Animal Kingdom magic.
Disney’s Commitment to Conservation
Masai giraffes are considered endangered, with fewer than 30,000 remaining in the wild. Tucker’s birth is more than just adorable—it’s important. Disney’s ongoing work with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and the Species Survival Plan helps protect these majestic animals for future generations.
As Dr. Mark Penning, VP of Disney’s Animals, Science and Environment, shared:
“Tucker’s birth is a testament to Disney’s leadership in animal care and conservation.”
The animal care team has worked around the clock to ensure that both Mara and Tucker are thriving—proving again why Animal Kingdom is so much more than just a theme park.
Celebrating Baby Animals Across the Park
Tucker is just the latest in a long line of baby animals we’ve celebrated here on SamsDisneyDiary. If you’re into wildlife moments at Walt Disney World, be sure to check out:
- Corra the Baby Elephant – The first elephant calf born at the park in seven years!
- Bakso the Sumatran Tiger Cub – A roaring new addition helping spotlight endangered tigers.
- The Cutest Baby Animals of the Year – From cuttlefish to eagle rays and more adorable faces!
Each of these births contributes to Disney’s global conservation mission and shows the incredible behind-the-scenes dedication from the animal care team.
30 Years of the Disney Conservation Fund
This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Disney Conservation Fund (DCF), which has contributed more than $132 million to protect wildlife, restore habitats, and empower conservation leaders. Through DCF grants and the dedication of Disney’s conservation cast members, the impact spans the globe—from Africa to right here in Orlando.
