We’re beginning the week with a celebration. There’s a new member of the family at Disney’s Animal Kingdom — an adorable baby white rhino. And today, we’re sharing a first image.
Rhino births are considered special around here because at one time, the species was nearly extinct and is currently endangered. The new female baby, which has not yet been named, is the eighth white rhino born at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Her mother, Kendi, 11, was the first. During her first weigh-in on Jan. 22, the newborn weighed 178 pounds. The calf and mother are currently off the savannah bonding at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, but will return to the herd in the coming months.
The success of the white rhino breeding program at Disney’s Animal Kingdom has allowed the team to make a direct contribution to the conservation of white rhinos in the wild. In 2006, Nande and Hasani, two rhinos born at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, traveled to Africa to join four others at Ziwa Sanctuary in Uganda, reestablishing a population that had been extinct since the 1980s. Last year, Nande gave birth to first white rhino born in Uganda in 27 years. Blog author Jackie Ogden will share more in a future post on the Disney Parks Blog.
Comments
How exciting!! My family has been traveling to Disney World for the past 16 years since my girls were 4 and 5 and visit on average of 3 times a year. Can’t ever get enough Disney. In Kenya, I was privileged to stand within 10 feet of a mommy rhino and her baby. I can’t wait to check out your new addition . We went on safari and your safari ride is amazingly like the jeep rides on the savannah. Way to go Imagineers!! We were at the Animal Kingdom Lodge on opening day and absolutely love Animal Kingdom. With that being said, I’m embarrassed to say that I had no idea you had a breeding program. Looks like I have more to love about the” Happiest Place on Earth”.
That is so Wonderful, and the baby is Adorable!!!!
Can’t wait to see the little one!
Its so nice that Disney posts the pictures of the new baby animals. Thanks for sharing the joy with us and putting a smile on our face Disney:)
Can’t wait to see the new baby! Sweet!
so cute!!!! That’s amazing!!!!
All babies are beautiful including this one. Looking forward to seeing her soon.
A beautiful contribution to wildlife conservation. Way to go Mama rhino (and AK staff!!)- I am going to bet I won’t see her out and about when I am in for my next visit – in 2 short weeks… Next time!
From the mouth of my 9 yr old “OOOOHH So Cool!!”
Wow…so very sweet.
Cute.
Gee! Even a baby rhino is cute! 🙂
congratulations on the new baby. such a beautiful picture of mother and daughter. Can’t wait to see that little darling roam the savannnas of animal kingdom
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