The first “second-generation” African elephant cub was recently born at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, in Orlando, Florida, the company announced in a blog post on Saturday, Dec. 16.
The calf, named Corra, weighed “just 218 pounds” said Scott Terrell, DVM, DACVP, director of Animal & Science Operations, Walt Disney Parks & Resorts.
Corra is the first baby elephant to be born at Walt Disney World in seven years, he said.
A TikTok shared by Disney Parks shows the calf was born on December 13, 2023.
Corra’s mother, Nadirah, was also born at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, in 2005 — meaning Corra’s arrival was “even more special,” Terrell said, writing on the Disney Parks blog.
Elephants have strong family ties, he said.
Corra, right, was recently born at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, as the adorable animal is the first “second generation” baby elephant to be born at the park. Olga Thompson/Walt Disney World
Nadirah is a first-time mom, so “her sister Luna was there to guide and comfort her throughout the process,” she said.
“The calf will soon meet his grandmother, Donna, and his other aunt, Stella, as well,” Terrell said.
Female African elephants often help each other raise their young, Terrell said, until the cubs are about eight years old.
The calf, named Corra, weighed “just 218 pounds,” said Scott Terrell, DVM, DACVP, director of Animal & Science Operations, Walt Disney Parks & Resorts. Olga Thompson/Walt Disney World
“This family bond will only get stronger as the calf gets older,” he said.
Nadirah was pregnant with Corra for 22 months — the normal gestation period for African elephants.
She conceived Corra through natural breeding in early 2022, Terrell said, and “received special care from our animal care team” throughout her pregnancy.
Corra’s mother, Nadirah (left), was also born at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, in 2005. Olga Thompson/Walt Disney World
“It takes a dedicated team of cast members to care for a pregnant elephant and eventually, her newborn calf,” he added.
With Corra’s arrival, she and her mother will “go through an ongoing postpartum exam and spend a few days bonding before they’re ready to join the rest of the group,” Terrell said.
The pair will be watched to ensure the calf is successfully lactating and gaining weight.
Nadirah conceived Corra through natural breeding in early 2022, Terrell said, and “received special care from our animal care team.” Olga Thompson/Walt Disney World
The African elephant is the largest walking animal, says the website for the World Wildlife Fund (WWF).
They consist of two separate species: the savannah elephant and the forest elephant.
Savannah elephants are listed as “endangered,” while forest elephants are listed as “critically endangered.”
There are only about 415,000 African elephants left in the wild, WWF says.
Elephants in the wild are at risk from poaching and habitat destruction.
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Source: thtrangdai.edu.vn/en/
