Amira, which means “princess” in Swahili, is the newest Masai giraffe calf to join the heard at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. She can now be found exploring the Kilimanjaro Safaris savanna with her mother.
Amira was born on October 1, 2018 and has spent the past couple of months bonding and nursing with mom Kenya backstage at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. The beautiful Masai giraffe is already over five feet tall! Her parents, Kenya and George, were selected to breed as part of the Species Survival Plan (SSP). The SSP is overseen by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and ensures responsible breeding of threatened and endangered species.
“Found primarily in Kenya and Tanzania, Masai giraffe are currently listed as a “vulnerable” species but may soon be moved to endangered status on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species. There is grave concern for the future of these beautiful creatures in the wild as they face threats of poaching and habitat loss. It is estimated about 32,000 Masai giraffes are left in the wild, and their population continues to decline at alarming rates.” Disney Parks Blog
Disney has been an active supporter in helping the survival and the population growth of the Masai giraffe. Prior to the birth of Amira, Disney’s Animal Kingdom was the birth home to another young calf. Aella is now a five-month old healthy Masai giraffe and entered the Kilimanjaro Safaris savanna this past August. Guests can now spot both of these young giraffes exploring the savanna.
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