Every spring, Disney’s Animal Kingdom celebrates the arrival of new animal babies and honors the amazing animal mothers that call the park home. For Mother’s Day 2023, guests have a special opportunity to witness the heartwarming bonds between animal moms and their young, including some truly memorable moments highlighting Disney’s ongoing conservation efforts.
Baby Animal Moments Through the Years
Disney’s Animal Kingdom has a rich history of baby animal milestones, many reported on here at SamsDisneyDiary.com
2025 Highlights (so far):
- Giraffe calf Tucker debuted on Kilimanjaro Safaris.
- Another Hartmann’s zebra foal joined the zebra herd.
- Meet Julien: Baby Addax Born
2024 Highlights:
- Sumatran tiger cub Bakso born, debuted on Maharajah Jungle Trek.
- Rare okapi calf Elijah introduced on Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail.
- Bakso captured hearts with playful antics.
2023 Highlights:
- Zebra foals Cricket and Dot born just days apart.
- Introducing Saffron, the latest mandrill at Animal Kingdom.
- Yellow-backed duiker calf Penny made public debut.
- African elephant calf Corra was born in the fall, the first elephant calf since 2016.
2022 Highlights:
- Three young white rhinos, Ranger, Mylo, and Logan, explored the savanna together.
- Gorilla baby Ada and mandrill Ivy reached playful toddler stages.
- Continued care milestones for 2021’s babies.
2021 Highlights:
- Gorilla baby Ada born at Gorilla Falls, cuddled by mom Azizi.
- Mandrill baby Ivy joined the mandrill troop, clinging adorably to mom.
- White rhino calf Ranger debuted on Kilimanjaro Safaris.
- Hartmann’s mountain zebra foal named Dash trotted into view.
From tigers and giraffes to addax and elephants, Disney’s Animal Kingdom continues to showcase the beauty of nature and the power of maternal bonds. These moments aren’t just magical for guests—they’re also part of larger global efforts. Disney works with the AZA and Species Survival Plan programs to protect and grow endangered species populations.
Whether you’re visiting for Mother’s Day or just enjoying the latest baby animal updates, the celebration of life and motherhood is always on display at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Be sure to visit SamsDisneyDiary.com for even more baby animal highlights, behind-the-scenes stories, and exclusive video footage from years of magical animal moments.
Happy Mother’s Day to all the amazing moms—human and animal alike!
Disney’s commitment to conserving endangered species, like addax, Sumatran tigers and the Masai giraffe are made possible in collaboration with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and the Species Survival Plan (SSP), underscoring the importance of every new life.
