Tucker baby giraffe has officially made his heartwarming debut at Disney’s Animal Kingdom! Born on February 13, this 6-foot-tall male Masai giraffe stepped onto the Kilimanjaro Safaris savanna for the very first time on Monday, April 7, delighting guests and cast members alike.
He was welcomed by a group of familiar faces, including his mother Mara, his grandmother Kenya, and his big sister Maple. Rounding out his support crew were fellow giraffes Willow and Aella, who joined him on his very first adventure out in the open.
Jenn Hernandez, a savanna manager at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, shared that Tucker is her 16th giraffe calf and one with a very special personality. “He’s curious and calm—just like his dad, Twiga. Even though everything is new to him, he handles it with such confidence,” she said.
Tucker Baby Giraffe Adds Joy to Earth Month
Making his appearance just in time for Earth Month, Tucker baby giraffe brought smiles as he explored the savanna. His natural curiosity is already shining through, with his own tongue becoming one of his favorite new toys as he learns about his body.
Hernandez, who is also a new mom herself, shared how meaningful Tucker’s arrival feels. “It’s been really fun to compare some of my baby’s milestones with Tucker’s,” she noted, adding that this birth holds extra sentimental value for her.
Tucker Baby Giraffe Represents Hope for Conservation
Dr. Mark Penning, Vice President of Disney’s Animals, Science and Environment, emphasized the importance of Tucker baby giraffe’s birth, highlighting it as a symbol of Disney’s ongoing commitment to conservation.
The birth is part of a larger initiative connected with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and their Species Survival Plan, aimed at preserving genetic diversity and protecting endangered animals like the Masai giraffe—of which fewer than 30,000 remain in the wild.
This special moment also coincides with the 30th anniversary of the Disney Conservation Fund, which has contributed over $132 million to support global efforts for wildlife protection, environmental education, and habitat restoration.
With eight Masai giraffes now living at the park, and other recent births like Bakso, the Sumatran tiger cub, Disney’s Animal Kingdom continues to be a hub of life, learning, and hope for endangered species.
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Source: www.people.com
