For the first time in seven years, an African elephant calf has been born at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park at Walt Disney World Resort. The delivery of the baby girl, named Corra, on Thursday, Dec. 13, 2023, was carefully planned through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Species Survival Plan, which helps ensure the responsible breeding of endangered animals in managed care. Corra is currently backstage at Disney’s Animal Kingdom bonding with her mother, Nadirah.
While Corra is Nadirah’s first calf, this birth is extra special because Nadirah herself was born at Disney’s Animal Kingdom in 2005, making Corra the first second-generation calf to be born in the park. Since this was Nadirah’s first birth, her sister Luna was there to guide and comfort her throughout the process. The calf will soon get to meet her grandmother, Donna, and her other aunt, Stella. It is common for adult females in the herd to assist in raising young elephants until they are considered to be independent, typically around 8 years old.
Nadirah became pregnant through natural breeding in early 2022, receiving special care from Disney’s animal care team for the entirety of her nearly 22-month pregnancy. Under the expert care of animal keepers, veterinarians and scientists, mother and baby will undergo continued post-natal exams and spend several days bonding before they are ready to join the rest of the herd. During this bonding period, the elephant team at Disney’s Animal Kingdom is watching for the pair to share key moments like successful nursing, as well as significant milestones, such as weight gain.
Be sure to check out Disney+’s ‘Magic of Disney’s Animal Kingdom’ Spotlights a Deep Commitment to Animals at the Theme Park and Beyond for a deeper look into Disney’s animal care team.
A Disney blooded, crafty, fun-lovin’ wife/mom/organizer/planner, etc who is obsessed with all things Disney 🙂 Maria grew up with the Magic Kingdom and has loved watching WDW evolve into what it is today. A firm believer in the Power of Pixie Dust, she is the owner of The Disney Driven Life – A Community for Neurotic Disney People & a d.i.y. crafty blog, Carousel of Projects – create~inspire~share.
