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Wildlife Wednesday: Introducing Caring for Disney Animals: Baby Giraffe Edition

Scott Terrell

by , DVM, DACVP, Director of Animal & Science Operations, Walt Disney Parks & Resorts

It’s been almost a month and a half since our male Masai giraffe calf made his grand entrance into the world on the Kilimanjaro Safaris savanna, and he has been growing ever so quickly – reaching his key developmental milestones in stride.

Now standing at seven-feet tall, the “little one” is close to his mom, Mara, and the rest of the herd backstage in the giraffe barn. Our animal care team has been providing exceptional care as the calf continues to grow and get ready to go back out on the savanna in the coming month.

We’ve been documenting some of these moments on our Disney’s Animals, Science and Environment Facebook page in a series of videos called “Caring for Disney Animals” hosted by our expert keepers. Feeding the baby giraffe and his family is a tall order. While the calf’s primary source of nutrition is nursing from his mom, our keepers are helping him expand his appetite by giving him a taste of grains, produce and specially grown browse. Here’s a closer look at his diet.

Stay tuned for more news about the giraffe calf. The animal care team is narrowing down their choices for his name. We look forward to sharing more soon.

Comments

  • ..and don’t forget an important nutrient in his diet – lots of love from everyone! <3!!!

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