Disney World decides on na​me for baby giraffe

Disney World has officially released the name of its latest Masai giraffe calf – Amira, which means “princess” in Swahili.

Disney asked the public’s help to name the calf, that was born on Oct. 1, 2018. The 5-foot tall Amira has been bonding and nursing with her mom, Kenya, in a backstage habitat at Animal Kingdom since birth.  But the two-month-old just took her first steps on the Kilimanjaro Safaris savanna, according to the  Scott Terrell, Director of Animal & Science Operations, Walt Disney Parks & Resorts.

Amira’s parents, Kenya and George, were chosen to breed through the Species Survival Plan, which is overseen by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and ensures responsible breeding of threatened and endangered species. 

Amira is the second baby born at Animal Kingdom in 2018. Aella, a five-month-old female giraffe calf made her debut on the Kilimanjaro Safaris savanna in late August.

Found primarily in Kenya and Tanzania, The Masai giraffe are currently listed as a “vulnerable” species and are primarily found in Kenya and Tanzania. It is estimated about 32,000 Masai giraffes in the wild.