There’s a new baby in town—and he’s already 6 feet tall. Tucker, a Masai giraffe calf, was recently born at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, marking the park’s first giraffe birth since 2021. His arrival brings a touch of wonder to the park, delighting both visitors and animal caretakers alike. Giraffe births are always special, but for a species listed as endangered, each new calf is a powerful symbol of hope.
Tucker’s birth isn’t just a magical moment for Disney—it’s also a meaningful step forward for global giraffe conservation efforts.
A Growing Giraffe Family
Tucker’s mother, Mara, made her debut at Animal Kingdom in 2015 and is no stranger to motherhood. This is her third calf, following the births of Jabari in 2019 and his sister Maple, according to People magazine. Park officials say both mother and baby are doing well and are currently bonding behind the scenes before they’re gradually introduced to the rest of the giraffe herd.
“Tucker’s birth is very important for us,” said Mark Penning, Disney’s Vice President of Animals, Science and Environment, in a video shared by the company. “It’s a testament to Disney’s leadership in animal care and conservation. This plan focuses on maintaining genetic diversity in the giraffe population and helping prevent giraffes from becoming extinct.”
Big Ears, Long Legs, and Even Bigger Hope
Tucker entered the world already towering at 6 feet tall, showcasing the species’ signature long legs and gentle gaze. Disney’s animal care team reports that he’s curious, alert, and steadily gaining confidence—showing all the signs of a healthy calf. According to the Giraffe Conservation Foundation, the Masai giraffe is recognizable by its darker, irregular patches.
Once the most common giraffe in the wild, its population has declined by 50% over the last 30 years, though recent conservation efforts have helped their numbers begin to rebound.
Giraffes on the Rise
Native to East Africa, Masai giraffes are currently listed as endangered due to habitat loss and poaching, with just over 44,000 individuals remaining. That’s what makes moments like Tucker’s birth so meaningful.
The Wild Nature Institute notes that giraffes are often poached for their meat, hooves, necks, and bone marrow—the latter wrongly believed to have medicinal properties. In 2018, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) officially listed the Masai giraffe as endangered. Since then, the population has been making a slow but hopeful comeback.
Disney’s Conservation Commitment
Disney participates in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan, a coordinated breeding and conservation effort to protect endangered species like the Masai giraffe. The Disney Conservation Fund, now in its 30th year, supports global wildlife efforts and helps educate guests on the importance of protecting species in decline.
So, the next time you visit Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney World, be on the lookout for Tucker. This tall little wonder is already standing head and shoulders above the crowd—and bringing big hope for the future of his species.
