Photos: Baby Masai giraffe born at Disney’s Animal Kingdom this week

A baby female Masai giraffe was born in the wee hours of Tuesday, Sept. 22, Disney reported today.

The baby weighing 156 pounds and standing 6-feet tall was walking just after birth. She was feisty and strong during her neonatal exam, Animal Keeper Karen Jasmin said. Most calfs that are born can stand 30 minutes after birth.

The calf was placed out in the yard with access to the barn “and she came in on her own. I would say she’s a pretty brave and independent animal,” Jasmin said.

This is the second calf for mom, Mara. If you remember, Mara made headlines in January 2019 when she gave birth to her first calf in front of guests while on the Kilimanjaro Safari Savanna.

The unnamed calf is the 35th giraffe birth between Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, Animal Keep Rory Dwyer said.

Mara and her newborn will remain backstage until the baby meets her developmental milestones. She will then join the herd on the Kilimanjaro Safari Savanna where she will become the 12th member of the herd on the savanna.