Disney Announces Birth at Animal Kingdom. First of Its Kind in 13 Years
Oh, happy day! A new little critter has been born at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and he or she’s a big one.
The gender and specific weight aren’t known, but staff members are giving the newborn “plenty of room to nurse and bond,” so there probably won’t be any announcements regarding names soon.
But what cutie pie is the first of its kind born at Disney in 13 whole years?
Witness the the adorable kiddo yourself!
This little chickadee is a Nile hippopotamus, and since there’s no weight yet, Disney provided the average weight for baby hippos: 60 to 110 pounds! Talk about a big baby.
He/She/It was born Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018. At just a few days old, this little guy or gal is sticking close to Mama, but swimming around and exploring the new world cautiously.
Mama and Papa are known as Tuma and Henry, and they were chosen to breed through the Species Survival Plan. That plan is overseen by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
“This birth is an important contribution to the worldwide conservation and understanding of these amazing creatures,” Disney said.
We’re just thankful for our daily dose of cute, to be honest!
Tuma and her calf can be found on Kilimanjaro Safaris and the Wild Africa Trek experience.
Sounds like I need to take a special trip to Orlando’s version of Africa.
This cutie pie will hopefully inspire hundreds, if not thousands, of children to take action and help support conservation efforts for this threatened species.
The world would certainly be a sadder place without the power — and charm — of these massive aquatic mammals.
Disney has been part of the conservation effort since 1995, when they founded the Disney Conservation Fund.
In the 22 years since then, DCF has contributed $40 million dollars to conservation programs across 115 countries.
Welcome to the world, little hippo! I wonder if Disney will host a naming contest for him or her? What would you name the calf, if given the chance?
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