The Baby Animal Disney Hasn’t Had in 20 Years Just Arrived
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge has welcomed its first Ankole cattle calf in more than two decades. Winnie, one of the resort’s Ankole cattle, gave birth to a healthy female calf, the first of its species born at Walt Disney World since 2005.
Mother and Calf Doing Well
The female calf and her mother are in good health and currently bonding behind the scenes. Once ready, they’ll join the other animals on the savanna at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge where guests can observe them.
The 20-year gap between births among Ankole cattle makes this a significant achievement for Disney’s animal care teams, who maintain healthy populations of various African species at the resort.
Where to See the New Calf at Disney
Important note: The calf is at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge resort, not Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park. Guests who want to see the baby will need to visit the lodge.
How to visit:
- Catch a bus from Disney Springs (free transportation to all Disney resort hotels)
- Book a dining reservation at one of the lodge’s restaurants: Jiko – The Cooking Place, Boma – Flavors of Africa, or Sanaa
The savanna viewing areas feature floor-to-ceiling windows and outdoor platforms where all guests can watch wildlife, regardless of whether they’re staying at the resort.
About Ankole Cattle
Ankole cattle are a distinctive African breed characterized by massive curved horns that can span several feet. The breed originates from regions including Uganda and Rwanda, where they hold important cultural significance.
Their striking appearance makes them visually impressive additions to the Animal Kingdom Lodge savanna, contributing to the authentic African wildlife atmosphere that defines the resort’s theming.
Disney Construction to Consider
Guests planning visits should be aware of ongoing refurbishment work at the resort. Construction began at Kidani Village in October 2025 and runs through May 2026. Work then shifts to Jambo House from May 2026 through January 2027.
Disney has indicated guests may see or hear construction activity during daytime hours. Most amenities remain available, but construction noise, visible work areas, and closed walkways are possible.
For a resort many guests book specifically for its serene atmosphere, this is worth considering. The savanna views and wildlife remain unchanged, but daytime construction noise may impact the peaceful experience some visitors expect.
The Animal Kingdom Lodge Experience
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge offers one of the most immersive resort experiences at Walt Disney World. Real wildlife—including giraffes, zebras, and now a newborn Ankole calf—roam outside balconies and viewing areas.
The resort’s dining options are consistently ranked among the best Disney has to offer, with African-inspired cuisine at Jiko, extensive buffets at Boma, and African and Indian-influenced dishes at Sanaa.
The savanna provides opportunities to observe over 30 species of African wildlife living on more than 30 acres across Jambo House and Kidani Village properties.
Behind-the-Scenes Bonding
The calf and mother Winnie spending time bonding behind the scenes before joining the savanna reflects best practices in animal care. This allows them to establish their relationship in a controlled environment before introducing them to the larger herd and guest visibility.
Once they make their debut, guests will gather at viewing areas throughout the resort hoping to spot the newest addition to the herd—a historic birth that hasn’t occurred at Walt Disney World in over two decades.
Planning Your Disney Visit
Guests visiting primarily for dining and animal encounters who are comfortable with potential construction noise may still have excellent experiences during the refurbishment period. The unique wildlife viewing opportunities and exceptional restaurants remain compelling reasons to visit.
Those seeking the quiet, immersive escape Animal Kingdom Lodge typically provides should adjust expectations about potential construction activity or time visits around the construction phases.
