For years, Disney Conservation has actively participated in numerous programs to help protect the environment and the animals that are both endangered or on the verge of becoming endangered. Disney has teamed up with various programs, including South-East Zoo Alliance For Reproduction & Conservation, to help bring certain animal groups back from the edge of extinction.
Over the past year, Disney has been giving large focus to the threatened white rhinoceros that is all but extinct in Northern Africa. Rhinos have become an extremely threatened species due to the illegal poaching for their ivory horns. Disney scientists and veterinarians have been working incredibly hard to increase the white rhinoceros population, and it looks like their efforts are paying off.
Dr. Mark Penning, Disney’s Vice President: Animals, Science, and Environment, shared on Instagram that Walt Disney World has recently welcomed another adorable baby white rhinoceros — the third this year.
??? BABY NEWS! Our team of animal care experts welcomed our newest baby animal to the family late last night – an adorable white rhino calf!
This marks the third white rhino calf born at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park in the last 13 months, which is incredible news for this endangered species.It’s important to give mom Lola and her newborn ample time to nurse and bond backstage, so the calf’s sex and weight might not be known for some time.Enjoy these #KeeperCam photos of mom and baby backstage, and check back soon for more photos of this adorable pair. ???
The birth of this new white rhinoceros follows not only the birth of two other white rhinos but also the birth of a Nile hippopotamus, a lowland gorilla, and a Hartmann’s mountain zebra. It is important for the newborn animals to have an adequate amount of bonding time with their mother, so Disney waits until they feel it is appropriate to put the newborn and its mother back out into either Animal Kingdom Park, or sometimes, Animal Kingdom Lodge.
Disney has not said when this cute new addition will make its public debut, so for now, Guests can see all the other incredible animals Disney is working to keep safe on Disney’s Kilimanjaro Safaris or by visiting the Savannah area of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge.
Which animal is your favorite to see while visiting Animal Kingdom?
