A Rare Baby Animal Makes its Debut in Disney

This is the sweetest news you will read all day. A rare baby animal is making its Disney debut just in time to celebrate 50 years of service for one of Disney’s long-time Cast Members. Here is the touching story of how the two are connected as well as photos of the newest baby and how you can visit him on your next Walt Disney World Vacation.

Disney’s Baby Animals

With so much negativity in the world, it is lovely to get a spot of good news now and then! One of the things that is sure to brighten everyone’s day is the announcement of the arrival of new baby animals in Walt Disney World! In the past year alone, Disney has welcomed more than 300 little lives including rare twin and triplet cotton top tamarins, zebras, river hogs, and so many more!

Not only do these little ones delight fans of the animal kingdom, but they are great news for the world! Disney’s conservation efforts have brought numerous baby animals into the world from an array of endangered and threatened species. These births are part of an initiative called the Species Survival Plan.

New Baby Okapi

Today, a new baby made his debut for Guests of Disney’s Animal Kingdom! The little fellow is a rare and special Okapi! Though he was born in October, he and his mother have been bonding backstage until the moment was right to make a grand entrance.

At a glance, an Okapi looks like some sort of antelope dressed up in zebra pants. The unusual creature is brown with distinct black and white strips on its legs. An Okapi’s hind end may remind you of a zebra, but did you know this special creature is most closely related to the giraffe?

A Special Connection

Not only is this baby special in that he makes great strides for the survival of his species. He is also special because his name honors a very special Cast Member!

Beloved Cast Member Elijah first joined the Magic Kingdom in June 1973 and transferred to Disney’s Animal Kingdom when it opened in 1998. He plays a critical role in maintaining the animal habitats at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. In recognition of his service, Disney named the baby Okapi Elijah after him!

Where to Spot the New Baby

If you want to visit baby Elijah and his okapi mom on your next Walt Disney World vacation, you will need to stop by Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail in Disney’s Animal Kingdom. The trail is a lovely place to visit between Lightning Lane reservations because it rarely has much crowding.

Visit the new baby okapi at Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail.

If you want even more okapi, you can also spot one on Kilimanjaro Safari in Dinsey’s Animal Kingdom. You can also see them at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge.

Do you love spotting baby animals at Disney’s Animal Kingdom? Which animals have you had a chance to see? Let us know in the comments. And, be sure to pass the story along to anyone who could use a little happy news today!