A new baby giraffe has debuted at Disney’s Animal Kingdom on the Kilimanjaro Safaris. Named Tucker, this young giraffe was born to Mara. Tucker is the first baby giraffe to be born at Disney’s Animal Kingdom since 2021. This is the third time Mara has brought a little one into the world since coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom in 2015. This morning, Tucker and Mara took a stroll out into the savannah for the first time. Disney shared the following photos, video, and information about Tucker, Mara, and the giraffes at Walt Disney World Resort.
A Milestone for Conservation
The birth of Tucker is a significant achievement for Disney’s Animal Kingdom. The Masai giraffe is classified as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Today, there are only 30,000 giraffes still alive globally. They face the loss of their habitat and the threats of poaching in their natural environments. Disney continues to work to help protect this iconic species.
“Tucker’s birth is really important for us. It’s a testament to Disney’s leadership in animal care and conservation and our incredible partnership with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and the Species Survival Plan. This plan focuses on maintaining genetic diversity of the giraffe population and helping to prevent giraffes from becoming extinct,” said Dr. Mark Penning, Vice President of Disney’s Animals, Science and Environment.
Disney has a team of world-class animal care professionals along with expert on-site veterinarians. They work around the clock to ensure that Mara and Tucker receive the best care possible. This birth is a testament to the incredible work of Walt Disney World’s animal care team.
Tucker’s arrival contributes to the genetic diversity and health of the Masai giraffe population. This will help ensure that future generations can enjoy seeing these animals on the savannah.
30 Years of Disney Conservation Fund
The Disney Conservation Fund continues to provide support to respected conservation organizations that are already hard at work on the forefront of critical conservation efforts. The Disney Conservation Fund was created with the recognition of the urgency that is needed to protect rapidly vanishing wildlife and habitats around the world.
2025 marks the 30th anniversary of the Disney Conservation Fund. Since being created in 1995, the Disney Conservation Fund has directed over $132 million to community conservation programs to support organizations that work with communities to protect wildlife, inspire action, and promote environmental resilience.
“Through DCF grants to local and global nonprofit organizations and the expertise of Disney Conservation cast members driving both scientific research and on-the-ground action, Disney helps protect endangered species, restore habitats, empower the next generation of conservation leaders, and address environmental challenges worldwide,” said Claire Martin, Senior Manager of Biodiversity Conservation, Environmental Sustainability at The Walt Disney Company
More information about Tucker or to see what Disney cast members are doing to help over 5,000 other animals around Walt Disney World, follow Disney’s Animals, Science and Environment on Facebook and Dr. Mark on Instagram.
What do you think of Tucker? Are you going to see him live? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!
