Meet Tucker: The ADORABLE New Baby Giraffe at Disney’s Animal Kingdom!

I am really excited to announce that there’s a new baby giraffe at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Giraffes are such amazing animals but they are particularly special in my family. My Grandma, Jackie, (the original Disney World fan in our family) was obsessed with giraffes! She collected giraffe keepsakes of all shapes and sizes. To this day, when any of us see a giraffe, we all think of Grandma!

So, it was especially important to me to learn that Mara, one of the gorgeous Masai giraffes at Kilimanjaro Safaris, had welcomed a precious baby boy named Tucker! (Tucker?!? How cute is that???)

This is such a special moment for Disney, because Tucker is the first giraffe calf born at Walt Disney World Resort since 2021! That’s a WHOLE FOUR YEARS of waiting for those adorable wobbly legs and big curious eyes to grace the savanna again.

Mama Mara

Let me tell you about Mama Mara. This beautiful giraffe joined the Disney family back in 2015, and Tucker is actually her THIRD baby! Mara’s first baby was Jabari, born in 2019, and now she’s continuing her Disney baby legacy with little (big?) Tucker!

I’m heading to Animal Kingdom the first week of May, and I am really looking forward to seeing Mara and Tucker on the savanna!

Conservation Matters

Now, I don’t usually get too serious on this blog (we’re here for the Disney fun, right?!), but this is IMPORTANT, friends!

Did you know that Masai giraffes are actually endangered? It broke my heart to learn there are only about 30,000 of these incredible creatures left in the wild. Habitat loss and poaching are major threats to their survival, and that’s why Tucker’s birth is such a big deal!

Disney is partnering with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and the Species Survival Plan to maintain genetic diversity among giraffes and literally help save them from extinction. How amazing is that?! Disney’s incredible animal care professionals and veterinarians have been working around the clock to make sure both Mara and Tucker are healthy and thriving.

Disney Conservation Fund Turns 30!

Here’s another reason to celebrate—the Disney Conservation Fund is turning 30 this year! Since 1995, they’ve directed more than $132 MILLION to conservation programs worldwide. That’s not just Disney magic—that’s Disney making a REAL difference in the world!

The fund supports organizations that protect wildlife, restore habitats, and inspire the next generation of conservation leaders. I don’t know about you, but knowing my Disney vacations help support efforts like this makes me love Disney even more (if that’s even possible)!

How to See Tucker!

I know what you’re all wondering—how can you see this adorable baby giraffe for yourself?! Tucker and Mara are now out on the savanna at Kilimanjaro Safaris!

Usually, morning safaris give you the best viewing opportunities, as the animals are typically more active before the Florida heat kicks in. Try and make Kilimanjaro Safari one of your first few attractions of the day.

If you want to keep up with Tucker’s journey (and honestly, who doesn’t?), make sure to follow Disney’s Animals, Science and Environment on Facebook and Dr. Mark on Instagram for all the latest updates.

Final Thoughts

Visiting Animal Kingdom has always been special but knowing that your visit helps support real conservation efforts makes it even more meaningful. Tucker isn’t just an adorable baby giraffe (though he is SUPER adorable!)—he represents hope for an endangered species and Disney’s commitment to protecting our planet’s wildlife.

Have you seen Tucker yet? Are you planning a trip to Animal Kingdom soon? Drop me a comment below—I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences!