The Disney savannah has had some new babies, complete with black and white stripes and their own personalities. Four new Hartmann’s mountain zebra foals have made it to Walt Disney World at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. These new baby zebras are already get used to their magical new home.
Second-time mom, Juno, gave birth to Cada at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Cada has a one-of-a-kind white marking within one of the black stripes on her back legs. She has been vocalizing and prancing around alongside mom and her big sister, Cricket, who was also born at the park in 2023.
Baby zebras at Walt Disney World are already running
First-time mom, Asha gave birth to the baby boy seen above. This zebra foal was up nursing, exploring his surroundings and greeting animal care teams by breakfast time. Within an hour of birth, foals are ready to run. Their long legs seem big for their little bodies, but zebras use their powerful legs to evade predators. Adults can reach top speeds of 40 miles per hour.
If you look closely, this foal has a unique dash, or horizontal stripe, near his front right leg. Similarly, his grandma, Heidi, also has this unique pattern too. While young, this baby zebra is already standing tall like his mother.
The first of this season’s recently born foals is still earning his stripes. Second-time mom Aziza delivered the healthy and tall baby boy at Disney’s Animal Kingdom on July 16. The two are currently bonding in a backstage area. Later on they will be able to explore the Harambe Wildlife Reserve. Aziza isn’t a new mom, in fact she gave birth to Dot last year.
Zebras are expressive, keep an eye out
Much like humans, zebras use vocalizations, facial expressions and body language to express themselves. Straight, upright ears indicate a friendly, confident attitude, while pulled back ears may mean zebras are disturbed or uncertain. Ears leaned forward show they are paying close attention to something. Hartmann’s mountain zebra are very expressive with one another and these behaviors allow the animal care teams to be attentive to their behavior and socialization needs. You may see some of these expressions the next time you witness the zebra herd out on the savanna.
The oldest of the Hartmann’s mountain zebra foals, named Penne, arrived on June 13 at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. Penne weighed nearly 100 pounds and was up exploring shortly after birth. Mother, Heidi, is familiar with energetic newborns. Her first foal, Asha, was born at the park in 2020. Now Asha is a mother of her own. Guests can now witness three generations of Hartmann’s mountain zebras out on the savanna at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge.
Baby zebras join over 5,000 animals at Walt Disney World
Disney and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums have been working to ensure the continuation, care and safety of the Hartmann’s mountain zebra species. Disney Parks Blog states, “Currently, these animals are listed as a vulnerable species due to habitat loss and hunting. These births are a success thanks to the Species Survival Plan, overseen by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums that ensures responsible breeding and genetic diversity of hundreds of animal species.”
These four new zebra foals join the long list of more than 5,000 animals that are cared for each day at Walt Disney World. For more adorable animal updates you can follow Disney’s Animals, Science and Environment on Facebook and Dr. Mark on Instagram.
Disney Savor the Savanna experience
If you are looking for a truly unique way to explore Kilimanjaro Safaris at Walt Disney World, there is the Savor the Savanna experience. This $189 meal isn’t cheap, but it does offer numerous hours out on the African savanna at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. You and a small group will be given a private safari vehicle, complete with a driver and animal guide. You explore the Kilimanjaro Safaris area and get a full themed meal.
I did the experience with my grandfather (seen above) and it was a truly unique experience – especially in the heart of Florida. Food, desserts, beer and wine are included as you are introduced to regional meals from Africa. This multi-hour experience includes speaking with animal experts and going to parts of the savanna that normal day guests never get to see.
While not a requirement to see the new zebra foals, this meal is something I would recommend for the major animal (and foodie) fans. But there are also cheaper animal tours, like the Caring for Giants tour. This hour long experience gives you and your group a close (but not too close) view of Disney’s biggest animals, the elephants.
If unique food at Walt Disney World intrigues you, there is a new modern Indian eatery at Disney Springs. Eet by Maneet Chauhan offers a menu full of authentic flavors that won’t scare away the standard American palate.
